By Basant El-Faramawy
A first-time mother from Newport was refused hospital meals while her critically ill baby was treated at Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran because she was not breastfeeding.
Policy denies meals to formula-feeding mothers
Sophie Price, 22, said she was told she was no longer classed as a patient on the paediatric ward since she was formula-feeding her daughter Florence. The hospital’s policy provides meals only to breastfeeding mothers on children’s wards, while formula is supplied by the hospital but mothers may be asked to bring their own.
Family spends £1,000 on food during three-week stay
During Florence’s three-week admission for bronchiolitis, rhinoviruses and a blood infection requiring breathing support, Sophie and her husband Ryli spent more than £1,000 on canteen and takeaway meals. Sophie, who was also recovering from dislocated hips and severe oedema after childbirth, said she went 28 hours without food at one point.
Health board apologises and outlines support options
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board apologised for Sophie’s experience and said it is committed to supporting families. It noted that ward teams can provide basic food items when parents cannot leave their child’s bedside, and a discounted meal voucher scheme exists. Support for financial hardship is considered case by case.
Mother calls for policy change
Sophie described the policy as outdated and discriminatory against formula-feeding mothers. She is urging hospitals to provide meals for all mothers regardless of feeding method, saying she felt shocked and horrific when denied a meal while her daughter was in intensive care.
