This model mother proudly nurses her child during a fashion show: “I want my baby to be breastfed in public.” Public breastfeeding remains a highly controversial topic, often sparking much debate. Why does such a natural act as breastfeeding provoke so many reactions, particularly in a society that prides itself on liberal values, where bodies are frequently exposed?

Constantly surrounded by controversy, exclusion, and criticism, American Mara Martin broke the cycle by walking the runway with her daughter Aria, whom she was breastfeeding, in the middle of the show.

It can be said that Mara has been the subject of numerous reports lately, following the Swimwear Fashion Week in Miami last July. The 32-year-old model, who posed for Sports Illustrated, took the stage while breastfeeding her 5-month-old baby. The photograph, moving for some and shameful for others, quickly went viral in the media and on social platforms, sparking a new debate.

Mara shared her joy on Instagram, stating: “There are no words strong enough to express how I feel after being selected for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit show. I’m stunned that my daughter and I are on the front page of the newspapers for something I do every day. I’m really grateful to help promote breastfeeding and show other women that we can all do this. It’s my everyday life as a mom.”

The reactions on social media were unavoidable. Between praise and positive responses on one side, and total rejection on the other, with all the criticism and attacks that come with it, Mara managed to remain calm and proud of her efforts to, in her own way, try to “normalize” breastfeeding.