A mother has said she is struggling to feed her two-month-old daughter who was born prematurely because of a national shortage of a special formula milk.
Fiadh Rose weighed just 2Ibs and 12oz when she was delivered via caesarean section at Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby last November.
Her mother Shannon Gadd, 25, used breast milk for eight weeks to give her daughter the 'best fighting chance' but as her weight continued to drop she was recommended to transition her to Cow and Gate's Nutriprem 2.
The special formula - which helps preterm and low birth-weight babies gain weight after leaving hospital - is enriched with key vitamins and minerals to support a baby's nutritional needs after they are discharged from hospital.
However, due to a shortage, Ms Gadd has been unable to buy the vital product for her baby, causing Fiadh to become sick and dehydrated.
Mother Shannon Gadd, 25, has been unable to buy the special formula milk for her daughter Fiadh Rose
Fiadh Rose weighed just 2Ibs and 12oz when she was delivered via caesarean section at Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby
The mother, from New Holland, said: 'I was told Fiadh had stopped growing two weeks prior to her birth because of a growth issue so doctor's performed a Caesarean.
'She was taken into the NICU for five weeks where I used breast milk in a bottle for eight weeks to give her the best fighting chance.
'But her weight dropped and she needed extra calories because my milk wasn't enough for her growing appetite.
'I took the very hard decision to try and transition her into formula with Cow and Gate Nutriprem 2 recommended.
'She loved it but we last we ran out on December 27 and haven't been able to order any since.'
Ms Gadd said her baby took a turn for the worst after she began a new formula and had to be treated for dehydration.
She continued: 'We were doing well until Fiadh took a turn for the worst on December 28 when she began to be sick from the new formula.
'She was taking a little amount of milk and then bringing it back up so she was really hungry and upset.
'I was getting worried about her so I rang 111 and they told me to be seen by someone immediately.
'A doctor admitted us straight away and said Fiadh was going to need to be treated for dehydration.'
Ms Gadd said she now fears the shortage is 'taking its toll' on her child's health, who only weighs 5Ibs 6oz to this day.
The mother said: 'She only weighs 5Ibs 6oz to this day and is below her centile - a growth chart indicating where a guideline baby should be at their age.
