A free breast-feeding clinic is planned for Saturday at the Makana Mother & Baby shop in Kahala, to coincide with World Breastfeeding Week, through Aug. 7. The clinic is designed for moms-to-be and new moms.

The clinic will feature advice from Brenda Yamamoto of Ohana Lactation Services.

Yamamoto, a registered nurse, was a neonatal specialist for more than 12 years, and worked at Kapi'olani Medical Center, for Kaiser and for Hawaii Mothers' Milk. She now operates her own business, Ohana Lactation Services, which provides breast-feeding education and counseling services.

"Many new mothers feel frustrated when breast-feeding is difficult — thinking that something is wrong with them," said Yamamoto, in a written release. "On the contrary, it is quite common to experience difficulties, including pain and inadequate milk flow. I hope this informal clinic can help and answer a lot of questions."

Pediatricians advise that breast milk is the ideal first food for babies, but the benefits of breast-feeding extend beyond basic nutrition. In addition to containing the vitamins and nutrients a baby needs in the first six months of life, breast milk includes disease-fighting substances that protect a baby from illness.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breast-feeding for the first six months. Studies have shown that breast-feeding is good for a mother's health, too. (For online information, see On the Web, this page.)

Free hourly lectures and counseling on breast-feeding for mothers-to-be and new moms will be offered as well as displays and a photography exhibit celebrating the breast-feeding mother and child by Lisa Uesugi of Utopia Design.

Makana Mother & Baby features maternity and nursing clothes. The store is part of the Kahala Atrium Commercial Center. Parking is in front of the store and on the street; additional parking for this event only is at the neighboring Mormon church.