Swimsuit model Mara Martin said she hoped breastfeeding on the runway would help normalize the act after video of her performance was widely praised on social media.
Sports Illustrated captured the moment and posted the video to Instagram. It showed the new mom, clad in a gold two-piece swimsuit, strutting the catwalk as she fed her five-month old daughter, Aria.
Martin was selected by Sports Illustrated to appear in the show at Miami Fashion Week after she was named a finalist of a swimsuit model search conducted by the magazine. By Monday afternoon, the video had nearly 300,000 views.
"I can’t believe I am waking up to headlines with me and my daughter in them for doing something I do every day,” Martin captioned a screenshot of one Daily Mail headline she posted to Instagram Monday. “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!”
It appeared that most people on social media supported Martin.
“So empowering! You’re breaking down barriers,” commented one user.
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Supporters were quick to jump to the model's defense when others expressed disapproval of breastfeeding in such a public setting.
"I’m really glad this mother is confident and responsible enough to feed her child regardless if you think it’s “icky," responded one user.
