News

Model breastfeeds baby on ramp!

Jul 19 , 2018

Have you ever seen a ramp walk while breastfeeding? Recently Model Mara Martin from Monroe, Michigan created a buzz on social media because of the walk she did with her five months old baby. She wore a one-shoulder golden bikini on the ramp as she was breastfeeding her daughter Aria. She was among the 16 finalists selected for the fashion show at W South Beach. Though she was holding her baby in the arms, still she managed to confidently walk the ramp. Soon after this Mara’s videos and pictures were posted on social media. Many people praised her for what she did and called her decision inspiring while some even criticized her by calling it a publicity stunt.

A moment we’ll never forget! @_maramartin_ walked the #SISwim x @paraisofashionfair runway show while breastfeeding her daughter. Click the link in bio or swipe up in our story to learn more.

A post shared by Sports Illustrated Swimsuit (@si_swimsuit) on Jul 16, 2018 at 5:31pm PDT

Check out her video here:

GIRL POWER! 🙌🏼 #SISwimSearch Sweet 16 finalist Mara walks the runway while breastfeeding her five-month-old baby. @paraisofashionfair

A post shared by Sports Illustrated Swimsuit (@si_swimsuit) on Jul 15, 2018 at 7:38pm PDT

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 Jul 16, 2018 at 8:32am PDT

The model wrote on social media, “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!”

Here’s how people gave a mixed reaction on Mara’s walk :

She not only looks amazing but Mara Martin is who we all are – women, strong beautiful people and she’s doing the best job being a mum while working. https://t.co/mL28wAEu7T

— catgad (@kiwiwmn) July 16, 2018

Yep. THIS. When women are empowered the world is a better place. Thank you Mara Martin for your bravery. And thank you to all the brave women that stand proud in their own skin, doing… https://t.co/3wCpY3jdnE

— MariaKanellisBennett (@MariaLKanellis) July 17, 2018

so so proud of Mara Martin for breastfeeding her baby while walking the swimsuit runway for sports illustrated 💪🏼 #normalizebreastfeeding

— Kay (@kaymoffett21) July 17, 2018

#Breastfeeding runway model Mara Martin was a hit with Instagram users https://t.co/hmh5V85Zkj via @usatoday Not at all saying she can’t, but walking the runway in a bikini while breastfeeding is weird as hell. Not gross, just weird. #MeAndJesse @MarkPavelich & @JesseMartineau🎙

— MeAndJessePodCast (@MeAndJessePod) July 18, 2018

I’m all for breastfeeding, 100% but why does EVERTHING have to be made into a huge circus. Thank you for breastfeeding while walking the catwalk we’re all better ppl for caring pic.twitter.com/Jgb064ZBfI

— Arlana David (@arlana_david) July 17, 2018

Show me breastfeeding in the grocery store, the bank etc without any prejudice then I’ll applaud! That’s real life, not a catwalk.

— Arlana David (@arlana_david) July 17, 2018

Model praised for breastfeeding while walking the runway at Sports Illustrated fashion show. https://t.co/FbFcrTP3h5 pic.twitter.com/sDm0398VP7

— The View (@TheView) July 17, 2018

Mara Martin walked the #SISwim runway show while breastfeeding, and here’s why it matters: https://t.co/EaDMMvmvmW. pic.twitter.com/A3zL4Kovp0

— Sports Illustrated Swimsuit (@SI_Swimsuit) July 17, 2018