Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Magazine Debuts First Model Showing C-Section Scars

For the first time ever, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue is set to feature a model showing her cesarean section scar.

The significant moment in the magazine's 58-year history came about after a partnership was formed between the publication and parenting brand Frida Mom.

Founder Chelsea Hirschhorn aims to celebrate all mothers who have undergone C-section surgery and are left with scars.

She wants to promote a genuine image of what motherhood can look like for those who haven't given birth in the so-called 'conventional' way.

Kelly Hughes, who graced the cover, says the scar caused insecurity as her work is centred largely on her body and the idea of what a model should look like.

She told Allure: "It took time to heal physically and mentally and embrace all that I had gone through and the many changes to my body to find the strength in it.

"It wasn't until I embraced my scar that I experienced the power in it."

Hughes welcomes the modern outlook which coincides with normalising people's body changes post pregnancy."

She added: "This was so much more than a photo shoot to me.

"There is an incredible shift happening in our society today with inclusivity. To be given this opportunity to tell my story, [I can] hopefully encourage women to be empowered.

The magazine wrote on social media: "We are proud to partner with @fridamom to celebrate all moms who bare C-Section scars by featuring @kellyhues in #SISwim22- the FIRST woman to expose her C-Section scar in magazine’s history!"

They added: "Let’s give some love to all our moms out there to acknowledge the power of the female body and the beauty of motherhood!"

In January, earlier this year, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit made the announcement of 'Pay With Change', which is a new gender equity advertising initiative that will turn the magazine franchise into a platform for change.

MJ Day, editor-in-chief of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit said: "Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has been leading the charge in creating change in women’s lives for years.

"But we knew we needed to be even bolder. Pay with Change is not just a platform to us; it is our commitment to creating greater progress for women."

Hillary Drezner, general manager of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, added: "Pay With Change will be our new standard of business moving forward.

"It’s our proof of progress, proof of passion and proof of our belief that we must be the change we want to see."

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