‘Loki’ Series Star Di Martino’s Costume Change Lets Her Breastfeed on Set

“It’s the little (big) things like this that made it possible for me to do my job AND be a parent.”

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and essential acts in a mother’s life. It’s a beautiful expression of maternal care and bonding that provides numerous health benefits for both the baby and the mother. In an ideal world, seeing a breastfeeding mother should be as commonplace as witnessing parents using a bottle to nourish their infants. Unfortunately, societal norms and stigmas surrounding breastfeeding in public persist, creating unnecessary barriers for mothers who choose to breastfeed.

The stigma of a woman exposing her bare breast in public while breastfeeding remains an issue in many parts of the world. This stigma often leads to discomfort and judgment for mothers who are merely fulfilling their biological role. However, it’s heartening to observe that some workplaces are taking steps to address this issue by providing accommodations for breastfeeding mothers. These initiatives are significant strides toward normalizing breastfeeding in contemporary society.

Breaking Barriers in Unexpected Places

To illustrate the positive changes happening, consider the world of entertainment and, more specifically, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). If you’re a fan of this cinematic juggernaut, you’re likely familiar with its expansion into the realm of streaming services, particularly Disney+. One of the most popular shows on this platform is “Loki,” featuring the beloved character Loki, the God of Mischief, in various incarnations or “variants.”

One such variant is Sylvie, portrayed by the talented actress Sophia Di Martino. However, what sets this portrayal apart is not just the character’s cunning and charm but also the progressive approach taken in accommodating the needs of a working mother.

In a heartwarming revelation shared on her Instagram and Twitter accounts, Sophia Di Martino unveiled an ingenious costume modification for her Sylvie character. Her costume was deliberately designed to be breastfeeding-friendly, allowing the actress to nurse her newborn while on set.

A Costume Designed for Real-Life Superheroes

In the photograph, Di Martino can be seen in her Sylvie costume, with sections discreetly unzipped to reveal her nursing bra. The brilliant addition of concealed zippers in the costume was the brainchild of Christine Wada, the costume designer for “Loki.” These zippers provided easy access for Di Martino to utilize her Elvie breast pumps and nurse her baby during breaks in filming.

The significance of this costume modification cannot be overstated. It not only showcases the thoughtful and practical approach taken by the production team but also sends a powerful message about normalizing breastfeeding in professional settings.

Sophia Di Martino, who gave birth to her first child in 2019 with partner Will Sharpe, commenced filming “Loki” in 2020. In her caption accompanying the photo, she expressed profound gratitude for this considerate gesture, noting that it was the small yet essential accommodations like this that enabled her to balance her career and parenthood effectively. Her caption was accompanied by a series of hashtags, including “#supportworkingmoms,” “#nursingmom,” and “#pumpingmama.”

Inspiring Support and Encouragement

The response to Sophia Di Martino’s post was overwhelmingly positive, not only from fans of the show but also from individuals in the television and film industry. Many expressed their admiration for her openness and commended the production team for their progressive thinking.

One commenter shared her own experience, mentioning the challenges of being a new mother in the industry and the fear of revealing her status to casting directors and producers. Di Martino responded with reassurance, emphasizing that with proper organization and support, balancing motherhood and a career is entirely feasible. She emphasized the straightforward nature of the process: “Mama needs to pump – baby needs to eat. I say tell them and let them figure it out.”

Another fan hailed the costume modification as a genius idea, while others underscored that such practices should be standard across the industry. They emphasized that accommodating breastfeeding mothers with minor adjustments, like concealed zippers, should be the norm rather than the exception. One commenter aptly noted that this should be the baseline of equality, as it enables mothers to fulfill their professional commitments without compromising their commitment to their children.

The Broader Significance of This Initiative

Sophia Di Martino’s experience on the set of “Loki” highlights the positive impact that thoughtful accommodations can have on working mothers. It serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement for other mothers navigating similar challenges in their careers.

However, the importance of this initiative extends beyond the realm of entertainment. It reinforces the need for society as a whole to embrace and normalize breastfeeding, both in public and professional settings. Breastfeeding is a fundamental aspect of motherhood, and mothers should not have to choose between nurturing their careers and nurturing their children. The integration of breastfeeding-friendly practices into workplaces, like the entertainment industry, sets a precedent for other sectors to follow suit.

In conclusion, Sophia Di Martino’s revelation about her breastfeeding-friendly costume in “Loki” is not just a heartwarming story; it’s a testament to the progress we can make when we prioritize the needs of working mothers. It’s a reminder that breastfeeding should be celebrated and accommodated, not stigmatized or hidden away. By making such accommodations standard practice, we take significant steps toward creating a more inclusive and supportive world for mothers, one where breastfeeding can coexist harmoniously with professional endeavors. This is not only a victory for working mothers like Sophia Di Martino but for all mothers who deserve to be seen, heard, and supported in their journey of motherhood.