A Sports Illustrated model has been hailed an inspiration after appearing on the runway while breastfeeding her five-month-old baby.

Mara Martin walked with her daughter Aria during the Sports Illustrated Swim Search show in Miami on Sunday. 

Wearing  a one-shouldered metallic gold bikini, Ms Martin received wild cheers and applause from the audience – protecting her young daughter’s ears from the noise with a pair of blue noise-cancelling headphones.  

Writing on Instagram after the show, Martin described the "amazing night," and expressed her gratitude at being able to "hopefully normalize breastfeeding and also show others that women CAN DO IT ALL!"

 "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," she wrote. 

Following the show thousands of women heaped praise on Ms Martin, thanking her for her bravery, and applauding the show for backing breastfeeding in public.

"This is so wonderful for the world of breastfeeding- well done to you and @si_swimsuit for this wonderful and inspiring work. Keep doing what you’re doing!," wrote @Lotusmaternity.

@kissmekate30 commented: "What a beautiful natural thing you did and I think it’s in great taste. Bravo  :)"

While @wolfiesmuma said: "I’m so happy to see this and think it’s a huge step to normalise breastfeeding, I salute you Mama!" 

Not all were so supportive of the move however, with many accusing the model of attention seeking, while others suggested it was inappropriate to breastfeed in the limelight.  

@xodanniieelleee wrote: "The baby doesn’t have bottles? You can’t pump and put it in a bottle for occasions like this when you’re working??? This is a bit attention seeking. The fact that you’re "surprised" this is viral is even more unsettling."

"Inappropriate," wrote @rordori86. "Yes you are gorgeous and yes your child is a blessing. But my love there’s is a time and place for everything give you child peace and quiet and sit in a private area and breastfeed your child. It appears our generation lacks divinity privacy and respect. Give your child the respect she deserves."