Newport mum of critically ill baby denied food at Grange Hospital

A young mother faced an upsetting situation when she was denied hospital meals while her infant daughter was critically ill. Sophie Price, 22, was shocked to learn that because she was not breastfeeding her newborn, the hospital staff at Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran, Torfaen, would not provide her with food during her daughter’s treatment on the paediatric ward. Although Sophie had given birth at the same hospital just five days earlier, she was informed that since she was no longer breastfeeding, she was no longer considered a patient eligible for hospital meals.

The Aneurin Bevan health board expressed regret over Sophie’s experience, emphasizing their commitment to supporting families during a child’s hospital stay. Sophie, who is from Newport, described her ordeal as “awful,” saying, “I just needed a hot meal to keep going for my daughter.” Over the course of three weeks while Florence was receiving care, Sophie and her family spent more than £1,000 purchasing food from the hospital canteen and takeaways, highlighting the financial strain added to their emotional burden.

Sophie and her husband, Ryli, had to urgently return to the hospital shortly after Florence was discharged because their baby was struggling to breathe and losing colour. Sophie recounted the terrifying moment, describing Florence’s harsh grunting that resembled a death rattle. Thanks to the swift actions of emergency staff, Florence was saved. She was diagnosed with bronchiolitis, rhinoviruses, and a blood infection, conditions that compromised her lungs’ ability to function independently. Florence was subsequently placed on a machine that assisted her breathing.

Despite being physically exhausted, hungry, and in pain following childbirth complications—including dislocated hips and severe swelling in her feet—Sophie was repeatedly denied a meal because she was formula feeding rather than breastfeeding. She described the experience as shocking and “horrific,” particularly as she had not eaten for nearly 28 hours while staying at her daughter’s bedside. Sophie criticized the hospital policy as outdated and discriminatory toward mothers who feed their babies formula, calling for all hospitals to provide meals for mothers regardless of their feeding choice. The hospital stated that while breastfeeding mothers on paediatric wards are provided with meals as a direct support for the baby’s nutrition, formula feeding families are expected to supply their own formula. After Sophie’s mother raised concerns, the hospital resumed providing formula for Florence. The health board also noted that in cases where parents cannot access the canteen or have limited support, ward teams can offer basic food and refreshments upon request, and there are provisions for discounted meals or additional support for families facing financial hardship

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