A few months ago a Malyalam magazine was criticised heavily for featuring a model breastfeeding her baby. Although the Kerala HC said there was nothing obscene about it, the insane backlash showed that there’s a stigma surrounding it. However, since it’s such a natural process for mothers and babies, a swimsuit model took a bold step at a fashion show to normalise breastfeeding.
Model Mara Martin walked the ramp for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit and made headlines for normalising the act of breastfeeding. She says that,
“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!”
Considering how most modelling shows, and especially those involving swimsuits, are stringent about their beauty standards, this is a very progressive move for Sports Illustrated. And given the response she has received, it’s quite clear how many women have to suffer due to the stigma surrounding breastfeeding. However, thanks to Mara’s display of feminism, a lot of them can ward off these double standards.
You can watch Mara Martin’s path-breaking ramp walk here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlRqGryH_Mi/?taken-by=si_swimsuit
The people at the fashion show weren’t the only ones who were cheering as the internet was also exploding with applause.
1. Haters gonna hate.
2. True that!
3. She and baby Aria as well.
4. One step at a time.
5. Everyone loves Mara.
Breastfeeding is a very natural procedure and a part of a human’s life-cycle. So it’s extremely strange that it’s sometimes seen as public nudity or an obscene act. But in reality, it’s just a mother feeding her baby. However, as a major chunk of the world has yet to understand this, women should take Mara’s example and normalise breastfeeding to the extent that it becomes as natural as breathing.