GettyA swimsuit model has won the praise of mothers and women alike for her bold move to walk down the runway while breastfeeding.
Model Mara Martin was one of the 16 finalists in Sports Illustrated’s Miami Swim Week fashion show last Sunday, (July 15).
Martin brazenly walked down the catwalk in a golden, one-shouldered bikini piece while breastfeeding her five-month-old baby.
If she was trying to make a statement, I think it was accomplished, as those in attendance, as well as on Instagram, hailed her move as inspiring.
The folks at SI were in full support as well, after they uploaded footage of the ‘Sweet 16 finalist’ walking down the runway with her baby girl in tow.
In the caption the wrote:
GIRL POWER! #SISwimSearch Sweet 16 finalist Mara walks the runway while breastfeeding her five-month-old baby. @paraisofashionfair
After the show, Mara took to Instagram to say:
Wow! WHAT A NIGHT! Words can’t even describe how amazing I feel after being picked to walk the runway for @si_swimsuit. Anyone who knows me, knows it has been a life long dream of mine.
I can’t believe I am waking up to headlines with me and my daughter in them for doing something I do every day. It is truly so humbling and unreal to say the least.
I’m so grateful to be able to share this message and hopefully normalize breastfeeding and also show others that women CAN DO IT ALL! [sic]
However, she stresses, her walking down the runway while breastfeeding her baby ‘shouldn’t be a headline’.
She goes onto say:
My story of being a mother and feeding her while walking is just that. Last night there are far more deserving headlines that our world should see.
One woman is going to boot camp in two weeks to serve our country (sorry i don’t know your IG handle), one woman had a mastectomy (@allynrose), and another is a cancer survivor, 2x paralympic gold medalist, as well as a mother herself (@bren_hucks you rock) [sic]
Those are the stories that our world should be discussing!!!! Just thinking about all that was represented there… I desperately need to give the most thanks to @mj_day for this. [sic]
She supported me in what I did last night. Without her support this wouldn’t even be discussed!!!! She and the entire Sports Illustrated family are the most amazing and incredible team to have worked with.
THANK YOU for letting all 16 of us be our true selves, strong beautiful women!!! Because of you, my daughter is going to grow up in a better world, where she will always feel this way!!!!!! [sic]
Lastly, to every single woman that rocked that runway with me. Be proud. I know I am of you! You all have inspired me in ways unimaginable. I love you all!!! #siswimsearch
Mothers on social media were quick to praise Mara for her effort to normalise and end the outdated taboo of breastfeeding in public.
One person wrote:
This is amazing #mommypower.
While another person wrote:
Yessss… that’s so beautiful …God made them for so much more then just looking at them:) [sic]
If Mara’s runway statement offends you, may I kindly suggest you get a grip.
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