Sports Illustrated model breastfeeds daughter on the runway

A Sports Illustrated model breastfed her daughter as she walked the runway during Miami Swim Week.
Michigan-born Mara Martin took to the catwalk at the W South Beach hotel on Sunday night (15Jul18) wearing a sparkly gold bikini while carrying her five-month-old baby, who was wearing a pair of blue ear muffs in order to drown out the noisy cheers and applause from the spectators.
The groundbreaking runway etiquette quickly made headlines, and though Mara was pleased to receive so many positive comments, she questioned why her actions were deemed as newsworthy.
“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,” she posted on Instagram alongside a photograph of one of the news articles regarding the moment. “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.”
Mara was one of 16 models selected to represent the iconic publication in the Sports Illustrated Swim Search fashion show, and went on to thank the brand – and in particular its editor MJ Day – for supporting her decision to breastfeed in front of its audience.
“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 enthused. “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!!!!!!”