A new mother was denied hospital meals while her critically ill infant was receiving treatment, leading to a public outcry over hospital policies regarding parental nutrition and feeding methods. Sophie Price, 22, recounted her "shocking" experience at Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran, Torfaen, where she was told she was not entitled to meals because she was not breastfeeding her daughter, Florence.
Florence was admitted to the pediatric ward after experiencing breathing difficulties, diagnosed with bronchiolitis, rhinovirus, and a blood infection. The infant required a machine to assist her breathing. During the three-week hospital stay, Price said she and her husband Ryli were told Florence might need to be induced into a coma.
Price stated she had not eaten for approximately 28 hours when she inquired about a meal. Upon being asked if she was breastfeeding and explaining that Florence was formula-fed, she was informed that she would not receive food. "I remember just being so shocked. It was so horrific," Price said, adding that she was already disappointed about not being able to breastfeed.
While mothers are provided with meals by hospital maternity services, a policy that applies whether they are breastfeeding or not, the rules differ in pediatric wards. On these wards, only the child is considered the patient. However, the hospital's policy was to provide meals to breastfeeding mothers as it directly supported the baby's nutrition. For formula-fed babies, the health board stated that formula was provided as needed, but Price was told she would need to supply it herself. Her mother intervened, and the hospital began providing formula for Florence.
Price described her physical discomfort during this period, including bleeding, hip dislocation recovery, and severe edema in her feet, which made walking difficult. With her husband's paternity leave ending, she relied on family members to bring her food. The couple spent over £1,000 on food from the hospital canteen and takeaways during their stay.
In response to Price's experience, the Aneurin Bevan health board apologized and stated its commitment to supporting families. The board acknowledged that situations can be difficult and stressful for parents and noted that ward teams can provide basic food items and refreshments if parents cannot access the canteen, have limited support, or cannot leave their child's bedside. A discounted meal voucher scheme and financial hardship support are also available.
Price has called for hospitals to provide meals for all mothers, regardless of their feeding choices, describing the current policy as "outdated" and discriminatory against formula-feeding mothers.