A first-time mother was denied meals by an NHS hospital while she stayed at the bedside of her newborn daughter, who was critically ill. Sophie Price, 22, described the experience as "awful" after being told she would not receive food because she was not breastfeeding.
Florence, Ms. Price's daughter, was admitted to Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran, Torfaen, just five days after birth after she began struggling to breathe. Diagnosed with bronchiolitis, rhinoviruses, and a blood infection, the infant required urgent breathing support. Ms. Price remained with her daughter for the entirety of the three-week hospital stay, despite experiencing significant pain from hip dislocations sustained during childbirth.
During this time, when a food trolley visited the ward, staff asked Ms. Price if she was breastfeeding. She explained that Florence was on formula, as the baby had been diagnosed with jaundice and did not take to breast milk within the first 24 hours. The hospital worker then informed her that she was not eligible for a meal. Ms. Price stated this news was a shock, as she was already distressed about not being able to breastfeed.
Ms. Price and her husband, Ryli, 23, reported spending over £1,000 on food from the hospital canteen and takeaways to sustain themselves during their daughter's hospitalization. Her husband's paternity leave was ending, leaving Ms. Price to rely on family members bringing food.
Adding to the distress, Ms. Price was initially told she would need to provide her own formula for Florence. The Aneurin Bevan health board has since stated that its policy is to provide formula as needed. After Ms. Price's mother contacted the hospital, formula began to be provided.
According to hospital policy for pediatric wards, food is typically provided only to the infant unless the mother is breastfeeding, as this is considered direct nutritional support for the child. Ms. Price has called this policy "outdated" and discriminatory towards mothers who use formula, especially during difficult circumstances. She has launched a petition advocating for all parents with hospitalized children to receive meals, regardless of their feeding method.
Ms. Price also commended the hospital staff for the care provided to Florence. A spokesperson for Aneurin Bevan health board apologized for Ms. Price's experience and acknowledged the stress parents face when a child is hospitalized. The spokesperson stated that ward teams can provide basic food items and refreshments for parents unable to access the canteen or leave their child's bedside. They also mentioned a discounted meal voucher scheme and the possibility of discussing financial hardship support with the ward team, with requests considered on a case-by-case basis.
