Swimsuit Model Who Breastfed Daughter at Runway Debut: 'It Shouldn't Be a Headline'

By Meredith Ganzman

Multitasking mother and model Mara Martin is proud that she was able to breastfeed her daughter during her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit fashion show debut. 

The new mom wrote on Instagram, "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 she doesn't think that it should be making headlines, adding "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."

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

Those newsmakers she's referring to include Paralympic snowboarder Brenna Huckaby and Miss America contestant, Allyn Rose, who had a double mastectomy -- both of whom also walked the Miami runway. 

Mara was one of several women chosen for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit's first-ever open casting call. The fashion show was all about promoting body positivity and showcasing women of all different colors, shapes, and sizes. 

Mara thanks Sports Illustrated for "letting all 16 of us be our true selves, strong beautiful women!!!"