Sports Illustrated bikini model Mara Martin breastfeeds baby on runway

Mara Martin Sport's Illustrated model breastfeeding her baby
Mara Martin has made history, but it was baby Aria who stole the show. Photo credit: Getty

A Sports Illustrated model has made history and caused a stir online after walking the runway while breastfeeding her child. 

Mara Martin, a US model and mum was one of 16 finalists chosen to model swimwear at the annual Miami Swim Week on Sunday. 

The 30-year-old hit the runway in a gold bikini with five-month-old Aria, who was sporting matching bikini bottoms and a pair of blue headphones to block out the noise.

MIAMI, FL - JULY 15:  A model breastfeeds while walking the runway for the 2018 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit show at PARAISO during Miami Swim Week at The W Hotel South Beach on July 15, 2018 in Miami, Florida.  (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Sports Illustrated)
Photo credit: Getty

Martin posted on Instagram describing how "amazing" she felt after the show.

 "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 normalize breastfeeding and also show others that women CAN DO IT ALL!" 

Martin's walk was praised on social media, with people calling the model's decision to breastfeed her daughter "inspiring."

"Great job representing all of us nursing mums! You will get a lot of pushback but I hope you realise how powerful and amazing you are!" one person commented.

"Wow, amazing! More women should do that!" wrote another. 

There was also criticism, with one woman commenting that "she's doing the same thing every mother has done since the beginning of time" and one man comparing it to urinating on the runway. 

This year's Sport's Illustrated show has been called one of the most inclusive of all time. Another star of the runway was 22-year-old Olympic snowboarder and amputee Brenna Huckaby.

Brenna Huckaby.
Brenna Huckaby. Photo credit: Getty

She opened the show strutting down the runway in a red bikini, showing off her prosthetic leg. 

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