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Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model search finalist model Mara Martin has sparked quite the discussion.
Martin walked the runway at the Paraiso x SI Swimsuit runway show on Sunday with more than just a swimsuit on her body.
The 32-year-old was also carrying and breastfeeding her baby, five-month old Aria, who was wearing a green bikini over her diaper and noise-cancelling headphones.
Her appearance was met with applause from the crowd on hand and more support online, but of course she’s had her fair share of criticism as well.
On Monday, Martin took to Instagram to show her appreciation for Sports Illustrated, her supportive fans and the opportunity to be an advocate for woman who want to normalize breastfeeding.
“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. “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!!!”
While the support is overwhelming, many critics are calling her appearance a publicity stunt, but the magazine’s editor, M.J. Day, calls it quite the opposite.
Day said the decision wasn’t planned out in advance in any way and was “very spontaneous.”
"When I was talking with the girls backstage prior to the show beginning, I saw that Mara's baby was sleeping and peacefully nursing,” Day explained. “I asked Mara if she would want to walk and continue to nurse.”
A surprised but excited Martin replied that she would love to, and the rest is now history.
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