Breastfeeding is the Fashion Forward
Food For Thought | Rachel Bishop
Nothing more could scream fashion statement than a model rockin’ a breast pump while strutting down the runway. Some might disagree, but I think it’s empowering. For as long as we can remember, views on public breastfeeding have been challenged with varying stances on the topic. We have people who view breastfeeding as a private matter while others say the complete opposite.
Model and new mother Valeria Garcia was in the Marta Jakubowski spring 2019 show after giving birth to her second child this past June. Her outfit featured an open trouser suit with what appeared to be a black-and-white bra. Tucked under the all black Chantelle bra, the Elvie breast pump took the stage. The pump was clearly meant to be showed off, setting a high fashion statement for all moms out there. This pump was the first-ever wearable device and cleverly designed to sit under bra cups. Moms are able to use an app to control milk flow "silently and secretly," no matter where they are.
Garcia isn’t the first model to showcase her pride of breastfeeding. In the Paraiso x SI Swimsuit runway show mid-July, SI Swimsuit model search finalist Mara Martin rocked the floor as she walked down breastfeeding her 5-month-old daughter. Stunning the audience and looking amazing while doing it, she was in a glamorous gold, one-shouldered bikini while carrying her baby (wearing noise-canceling headphones) in a cute green bikini and a diaper.
“Women should be equally supported and encouraged for breastfeeding as it is a beautiful thing.”
A women's choice and ability to make the best decisions for the nutrition of their babies includes the act of breastfeeding. And for as many women who do breastfeed in their lifetime, it is completely mind blowing how stigmatized such a normal, everyday act is. For people who don’t agree or have something to say, it isn’t about anything other than feeding your child.
Women should be equally supported and encouraged for breastfeeding as it is a beautiful thing. And as Mara Martin wrote after making strong headlines:
"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 posted on Instagram after the event. "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!"
And yes, women all over the world can do it all. Let’s continue to open dialogue and eyes of others.