The Women, Infants, and Children -- or WIC -- program held an outdoor fair in Modesto Wednesday for hundreds of moms and expectant mothers. The event was to show how breastfeeding can make for healthier babies.
At a booth at the fair counselors explain to mothers that breastfeeding should start within an hour of birth.
WIC lactation counselor Rose Nunes says California leads the nation with 92 percent of mothers breastfeeding their newborns, but many quit before reaching the recommended one year minimum.
"Many moms initiate breastfeeding but start supplementing thereafter, and we can tell by WIC rates as well that it's unfortunately many moms drop off that 92 percent," says Nunes.
Jasmine Taylor is nursing her third child and she says her children are healthier because of it, but she admits it's not easy at first.
"It hurts a lot, it might be difficult for a lot of moms especially first time moms, you want to give up but don't give up, it's benefit for the child and that's what moms want," says Taylor.
Studies have shown that breastfeeding can reduce child mortality and prevent diabetes, leukemia, and upper respiratory illnesses.