Breastfeeding is a natural act that, although many see it for what it is, there are those who are uncomfortable to see a mother feeding her baby. That is why we occasionally see celebrities - from models to actresses - expressing their support for breastfeeding, with the intention of normalizing it every day.
The last to do so was Mara Martin, a model who was competing as a finalist for a Sports Illustrated event, and in which she paraded the catwalk breastfeeding her five month old daughter.
Mara Martin is a 30-year-old model who is participating in a swimsuit contest organized by the famous American magazine Sports Illustrated. Recently it was the catwalk of the last 16 finalists, within which she had the opportunity to be, which she shared with joy in a post on her Instagram account hours before the event.
The face you make when your mom makes it to the final 16 of the @si_swimsuit Swim Search Im so so thankful for the entire team at sports illustrated for picking me @mj_day (and team)… you guys are THE FREAKING BEST And to EVERY girl that casted from the online submissions to the open call… you all rock. My fellow girls in the final 16… LETS DO THIS Congratulations to every single one of you #ownit #siswimsearch #imfreakingoutwithexcitement #modelmom #letsdothis #loveyouguys
Five months ago, Mara became a mother of a baby named Aria, who appears next to her in the photograph announcing her participation, and which accompanied her mother during this event, although she did it in a much more leading role than much expected: parading down the catwalk in her mother's arms, while she was breastfeeding.
In a video posted on the Sports Illustrated Instagram account dedicated to swimsuits, we can see the moment when Mara and Aria walk the catwalk. Mara, modeling a golden bikini, and Aria, with a green bikini and headphones that cancel out external noise.
GIRL POWER #SISwimSearch Sweet 16 finalist Mara walks the runway while breastfeeding her five-month-old baby. @paraisofashionfair
The reactions have been mostly positive, congratulating the magazine for helping to normalize breastfeeding and Mara for her safety in breastfeeding her daughter while modeling. In an article published on the Sports Illustrated website, editor MJ Day says that the decision that Mara paraded by breastfeeding her daughter was not planned:
It was very spontaneous. When I was talking to the girls behind the catwalk before the parade started, I saw that Mara's baby slept while breastfeeding. I asked Mara if she would like to parade while continuing to breastfeed. He replied: "Yes! Really? Are you sure?", And I said absolutely. I loved the idea of allowing Mara to continue breastfeeding and highlight how amazing and beautiful women are. In my case, I breastfed two babies, so I find it one of the most powerful things a woman's body can do. It was one of the easiest decisions I've made in months.
With this action, in addition to showing that women are capable and have the strength to do many things, the Mara Martin model joins the list of models that help to normalize breastfeeding publicly.
