The clinic will be open on Tuesday and Thursday from 8.30am to 1.30pm, on a first-come first-serve basis.

The service is being introduced to promote breastfeeding as Malta has the second lowest breastfeeding rate in Europe, although there has been some increase in recent years.

There is no system in place that collects statistics of the number of mothers opting for breastfeeding after they are discharged from

hospital.

A statement issued by the hospital said that mothers often do not find practical help with breastfeeding and resort to artificial milk as a solution. It was noted that breastfeeding clinics had a considerable success in offering help to mothers and babies in many European countries.

The hospital realised that there was a demand for the clinic after a number of mothers were returning to the hospital for help, after a lactation midwife was introduced on the postnatal ward some time ago.

The Daniel Delicata Memorial Association decorated and furnished a designated area of the walk-in clinic.