Mara Martin breastfed her baby daughter on the catwalk at a fashion show in Miami.

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The Michigan-based model was selected as one of 16 finalists to walk in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit show, which she did wearing a metallic gold bikini, while feeding her five-month-old baby, Aria. Martin posted a picture on Instagram of one publication’s coverage of the event, writing that she wanted to remove the stigma of breastfeeding in public.

“I can’t believe I am waking up to headlines with me and my daughter in them for doing something I do every day,” she wrote. “It is truly so humbling and unreal to say the least. I’m so grateful to be able to share this message and hopefully normalise breastfeeding and also show others that women CAN DO IT ALL!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlTDXbPFtm8/?utm_source=ig_embed

“But to be honest, the real reason I can’t believe it is a headline is because it shouldn’t be a headline!” she continued. “My story of being a mother and feeding her while walking is just that.”

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Her young daughter wore headphones to protect her ears from the noise. Unlike most models, who are asked to keep a straight face during shows, Martin was pictured smiling throughout.

The event also featured a turn from amputee model and Paralympic gold medal snowboarder Brenna Huckaby.

Public breastfeeding is still frowned upon by many in the UK and the shaming of it statistically deters women from doing so. In 2017, it was revealed that less than half of women that start breastfeeding stop after two months – four months less than the recommended amount – with 63 per cent saying that feeling embarrassment in front of strangers prompted their decision.

From: Harper’s BAZAAR UK