US model walks down the runway while breastfeeding

US model walks down the runway while breastfeeding

Model Mara Martin is making headlines around the world after walking for Sports Illustrated while nursing her baby girl.

Model Mara Martin
Model Mara Martin Image credit: Instagram/@_maramartin_ https://www.instagram.com/p/BlTDXbPFtm8/

Look away public breastfeeding haters, American model Mara Martin is showing the world that nursing your baby on the job is A-OK. 

Dressed in a gold bikini, the 32-year-old proudly held her daughter Aria while walking the runway for the Paraiso x Sports Illustrated Swimsuit fashion show in Miami, Florida a few days ago. 

Five-month-old Aria, who wore noise-cancelling headphones, was also dressed in a bikini. 

Speaking to Today, MJ Day - editor of the magazine's swimsuit issue, says the empowering moment was not planned.

"Mara was holding her baby and was nursing her, I was like, 'Do you just want to nurse while you walk down the runway?' And she was like, 'I would love to do that.'"

ALSO READ: Should celeb moms post breastfeeding selfies on social media?

Mara took to Instagram to say she was humbled by the experience. 

"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," she wrote. 

Mara added that she hoped all the attention would help normalise public breastfeeding. 

"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!"

ALSO READ: Candice Swanepoel's public breastfeeding pic causes stir for weird reason

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! But to be honest, the real reason I can’t believe it is a headline is because it shouldn’t be a headline!!! 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) 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. 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!!!!!! 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

A post shared by Mara Martin (@_maramartin_) on

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