In July 2018, Mara Martin went viral when she walked the Sports Illustrated runway in a swimsuit, breastfeeding her daughter. At the time, her daughter was only five months old and, since feeding her daughter was her first priority, Mara decided to feed her and walk the runway at the same time.
Video of Mara and her daughter on the runway quickly made the rounds online.
After walking the runway, Martin had posted the photos on social media and made a solid point about the mass media coverage around her decision to breastfeed on the runway.
She took the opportunity to spread an important message about breastfeeding.
Martin wrote, “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! “
She couldn’t believe that nursing her daughter made headlines.
“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.”
Mara thought that her walk and breastfeeding shouldn’t have been news-worthy.
“One woman is going to boot camp in two weeks to serve our country (@shauntness), one woman had a double 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!!!! “
She had a huge team helping and supporting her.
“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. “
Mara also took the time to thank the other models in the show for inspiring her.
“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!!!”
People online were so grateful to see that this model and mother was embracing the true picture of motherhood even when she needed to walk the runway.
But, Mara hasn’t stopped advocating to normalize breastfeeding and parenting.
Since the runway show, Mara has posted pictures breastfeeding all across her Instagram.
Mara has been posting more photos of how natural and wonderful motherhood can be by showing photos of her and her daughter during intimate moments, like breastfeeding. Many mothers online have said they are grateful to see her being so open.
Other mothers and women online were not as supportive of her. Some said they felt the runway walk and photos were “unnecessary.”
Mara’s best friend decided to share the real story behind the runway walk and what went down behind the scenes. It wasn’t staged or planned, and it was proof that Mara is a phenomenal mom.
Samantha Montroy Purcell, Mara’s best friend, claimed that Mara was nursing her daughter when it was her time to walk, and the editor said she should just “go for it.”
When a baby needs to eat, it needs to eat!
It seems that months later, the haters still find a way to get to Mara, even though he daughter is several months older.
Mara posted this photo of her and her daughter co-sleeping on her Instagram stories and then decided to repost it on her page after receiving some hate and negative comments on the post.
She pointed out that people had an issue with her still “co-sleeping” with her daughter and breastfeeding her, too.
She wrote, “I posted this photo on my story a couple of days ago and received a lot of positive messages as well as some negative ones. Parents commending me for showing what it’s “really” like sleeping with a toddler and others shaming me for “still breastfeeding and still co-sleeping with Aria.”
She wants to remind people that every parent does what works for them.
“Either positive or negative, I realize that my reality is going to be different than yours. This is how Aria sleeps on me most nights; using me as a human pacifier, as she is sprawled across my body. Am I tired. Yes. But it works for me. It works for us. Whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle feed, co-sleep or crib, etc, someone is always gonna have an opinion. And that’s ok.”
The important thing is to do what works for your kids.
“As long as you as a parent are trying to do your best for your family and your little one, and know there isn’t only one way of parenting or one right way. Because what works best for you and your family is all that matters.”
People online were grateful that Mara, again, showcased that being a mom is a journey and no one has a right to judge hers, or anyone else’s journey.
One mom said, “My son just turned 15 months old. Some nights he ends up on the same pillow as me. I think it’s sweet. I love soaking up all of his smell and even though I stay tired almost always.. it is also my favorite thing to just know that he is safe snuggled up next to me. You are doing great Mama.”
Other moms shared their experiences with extended breastfeeding.
Another added, ” I’m 21 months in and still going strong and wouldn’t change it my baby’s needs and wants come first ..what anyone else thinks is irrelevant so stick to your guns…”
Clearly, Mara is doing everything right.
From showing her love for being a mother to proving that, no matter what, your child comes first, Mara has helped moms all over the world feel seen and heard.
