Breastfeeding Model Walks Runway With 5-Month-Old Daughter

A breastfeeding model is drawing attention for walking the runway at a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit show while nursing her 5-month-old infant.

Mara Martin was a top 16 finalist for the Sports Illustrated Swim Search fashion show on Sunday Night in Miami’s South Beach when she had to feed her daughter, and the act has created a sensation (mostly supportive) for Martin and her actions.

Martin’s off-shoulder gold bikini looked like it was meant for breastfeeding, and her daughter sported small over-ear headphones to protect her ears from the noise.

The Michigan model was surprised by all the attention from news agencies and people on Twitter, saying in an Instagram post that she was humbled and hoped to “normalize breastfeeding and also show others that women CAN DO IT ALL!”

Martin also wrote that other models had much more headline-worthy stories than she did, including surviving cancer, being a Paralympic gold medalist, and joining the military. “Those are the stories that our world should be discussing!!!” she wrote.

The Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue has become more inclusive of different ages, body sizes, and abilities in recent years. Christie Brinkley was featured in last year’s issue at age 63, and this February’s issue referenced the #MeToo movement by having models show empowering words on their bodies.

Twitter had its share of negative comments about the breastfeeding model, but most defended Martin for doing a natural thing and not letting anything get in the way of it. 

The fact that this is even "controversial" is her point. This should be a non issue. Millions of women breastfeed while working, walking, gardening etc. I'd rather see her boobs feeding than what I see at the beach. Feeding is wholesome.

— Laura Spencer (@LauraSpencerOne) July 17, 2018

The only time someone on the catwalk eats!

— 🐋Rachy Loulou🐋 (@rachy_loulou) July 17, 2018

When I'm hungry I eat. It's the same with a baby!!! Feed ur baby wherever you want! #normalizebreastfeeding

— 🎀🎀 (@QueenBlaqu) July 17, 2018

No need to go out of the way to make a point. Just do what you want to do. People will judge you regardless. It’s up to you not to let it bother you.

— Natalia (@talivisconti) July 17, 2018

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