Ashley Graham pumps breast milk backstage at fashion week as she returns to the runway after maternity leave
Ashley Graham has given an insight into the reality of her return to work as a catwalk model after giving birth to her first child.
Eight months after Graham, 32, gave birth to her and husband Justin Ervin’s son, Isaac, she made an appearance on the Fendi catwalk during Milan Fashion Week.
Looking amazing in a sheer, monochrome wrap dress, the new mum shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how she is juggling motherhood and work, as she revealed she’d been using a breast pump while getting her make-up done.
Sharing a short video of backstage clips on Instagram, Graham explained that breastfeeding wasn’t going to get in the way of her runway return.
“The show must go on,” she narrated the video.
“Hair did, getting make-up done and pumping.”
Read more: Millie Mackintosh shares postpartum body photo, 9 weeks after giving birth
After Graham shared her multi-tasking video, fans were quick to praise the model for depicting the reality faced by many new mums who have to express while at work.
“I love that you are pumping on the job. Keep up the good work,” one person wrote.
“Thank you for normalising breastfeeding,” another commented.
This isn’t the first time Graham has got real about motherhood.
Since welcoming her son back in January the model has opened up about everything from breastfeeding to her post-birth healing journey.
Most recently, the body positive advocate has been praised for encouraging other mums to have the confidence to embrace their post-pregnancy bodies, stretch marks and all.
Read more: Ashley Graham praised for normalising breastfeeding with intimate Instagram photos
After sharing a video of her cupping her hands in the shape of a heart over the stretch marks on her stomach, Graham was inundated with messages from her followers showing their appreciation for the post.
Back in July, Graham launched her latest swimsuit collaboration with the brand Swimsuits for All with a stunning photoshoot in which her postpartum stretch marks were proudly on display.
Speaking of her decision not to have the marks edited out, Graham explained she wanted people to see them as they are part of her story.
Read more: Millie Mackintosh celebrates breastfeeding in sweet selfie
Graham isn’t the first model to showcase breast pumping at an international fashion show.
Back in 2018, a mum made history at London Fashion Week by becoming the first model to grace the runway whilst using a breast pump.
Valeria Garcia debuted the world’s first wearable breast bump beneath a suit at the Marta Jakubowski SS19 show.
Earlier that year, another model took to the catwalk while actually breastfeeding her five-month-old daughter.
Mara Martin was one of 16 finalists chosen to take part in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit show, as part of PARAISO Fashion Fair.
Wearing a stunning one-shouldered gold bikini and carrying her baby daughter in one arm, the model beamed as she strutted her stuff on the runway at the W Hotel, South Beach, Miami, US.
