Miami: A sports illustrated American model has stirred debate after breastfeeding her five-month-old baby daughter during a catwalk held in Miami. Mara Martin walked with her daughter Aria during the Sports Illustrated Swim Search show in Miami Sunday.
Wearing a one-shouldered metallic gold bikini, Ms Martin received wild cheers and applause from the audience – protecting her young daughter’s ears from the noise with a pair of blue noise-cancelling headphones. However, this did not go down too well with many people who also criticized the model.
Writing on Instagram later after the show, Martin described the “amazing night,” and expressed her gratitude at being able to “hopefully normalize breastfeeding and also show others that women CAN DO IT ALL!”
“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 wrote. “It is truly so humbling and unreal to say the least.”
Following the show thousands of women heaped praise on Ms Martin, thanking her for her bravery, and applauding the show for backing breastfeeding in public.
According to Ms Martin and the organizers, It was a spontaneous decision to breastfeed Aria on the runway.
“This is so wonderful for the world of breastfeeding- well done to you and @si_swimsuit for this wonderful and inspiring work. Keep doing what you’re doing!,” wrote @Lotusmaternity.
Not all were so supportive of the move however, with many accusing the model of attention seeking, while others suggested it was inappropriate to breastfeed in the limelight.
@xodanniieelleee wrote: “The baby doesn’t have bottles? You can’t pump and put it in a bottle for occasions like this when you’re working??? This is a bit attention seeking. The fact that you’re “surprised” this is viral is even more unsettling.”
“Inappropriate,” wrote @rordori86. “Yes you are gorgeous and yes your child is a blessing. But my love there’s is a time and place for everything give you child peace and quiet and sit in a private area and breastfeed your child. It appears our generation lacks divinity privacy and respect. Give your child the respect she deserves.”
Watch video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJDRdQWLYTE
