Sophie Price, a 22-year-old first-time mother, was denied hospital meals while her newborn daughter fought for her life in intensive care because she was formula feeding instead of breastfeeding. The incident occurred at Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran, Torfaen, where Price was told she was no longer classed as a patient because she did not meet the specific criteria for meal provision on a paediatric ward.
Formula feeding leads to meal denial at Grange University Hospital
Price and her husband, Ryli, spent three weeks at the hospital after their daughter, Florence, was admitted with bronchiolitis, rhinoviruses, and a blood infection. The infant’s lungs were unable to operate on their own, requiring a machine to pump air into her lungs via a mask. During this period, medical staff informed the parents that Florence might need to be induced into a coma at any point.
Despite the severity of the situation, Price found herself excluded from the hospital’s food services. She reported being hungry and exhausted, noting that at one point she had not eaten for approximately 28 hours. When a food trolley arrived for mothers on the ward, Price expressed her hunger to staff, only to be asked if she was breastfeeding. Upon explaining that Florence was formula-fed, Price was told she was not entitled to a meal.
Price described the experience as horrific, particularly as she was already dealing with the emotional disappointment of being unable to breastfeed. Her physical condition at the time was also critical; she was bleeding through her clothes, experiencing significant pain from hips that had been dislocated during childbirth, and suffering from oedema that left her feet the size of elephant trunks, making it difficult to walk between corridors.
Health board policy distinguishes between maternity and paediatric care
The Aneurin Bevan health board’s policy creates a distinction based on the ward and the method of feeding. Mothers under maternity services are provided meals regardless of how they feed their babies because both the mother and child are classified as patients. However, on paediatric wards, only the child is considered the patient.
The health board provides meals to breastfeeding mothers on paediatric wards specifically because it directly supports the baby’s nutrition. For formula-fed babies, the board stated that formula is provided as needed. Price contested this, stating she was initially told she would need to provide the formula herself, a situation only resolved after her mother contacted the hospital.
The financial burden of this policy fell on the family. Price and Ryli spent more than £1,000 on food from the hospital canteen and takeaways during their three-week stay. Because Ryli’s paternity leave was ending, Price relied on other family members to bring her food while she remained at Florence’s bedside.
Aneurin Bevan health board responds to claims of discrimination
In response to the incident, the Aneurin Bevan health board expressed regret over Price’s experience and stated its commitment to supporting families. The board noted that ward teams can provide basic food items and refreshments for parents who cannot leave their child’s bedside or who have limited support.
The health board further detailed that parents can access discounted meals through a ward voucher scheme, and financial hardship can be discussed with ward teams on a case-by-case basis to ensure fair provision of help.
Price has called the current policy outdated and discriminatory against mothers who formula feed under difficult circumstances. She is advocating for a change in policy so that all mothers are provided meals regardless of their feeding method.
The timeline of Florence’s illness began shortly after birth. Price had left the hospital for only 24 hours before she and Ryli noticed Florence was unable to breathe and the color was draining from her. Price described hearing “harsh grunting sounds” resembling a “death rattle” coming from the infant’s chest, leading her to run into the A&E department. She credited the quick response of the medical staff with saving her daughter’s life.
It remains unclear whether the Aneurin Bevan health board intends to review the specific policy that excludes formula-feeding mothers from meal provision on paediatric wards.
