Supermodel says mums should put themselves before bub

Supermodel Gisele Bundchen famously said that she believed that breastfeeding a child for its first six months should be law. Photo / Instagram

Supermodel Gisele Bundchen is turning into quite the outspoken advocate for mothers.

The Brazilian, herself mother to Benjamin Brady, five, and Vivian Lake Brady, two, has in the past advocated the importance of breastfeeding and just last week slammed advertisements that promote "unattainable" beauty for working mothers.

Now the 34-year-old has advised other mothers to put themselves before their children, comparing it to the command on airplanes to "ensure your own oxygen mask is fitted before helping others."

"It's very important to nourish yourself, take care of yourself," the model, currently the highest paid in the industry, told The Sunday Times Style magazine.

"You know how they say on the plane that you have to put the oxygen mask on first and then put it on your child? So, I think it is the same, as a mum, to take care of myself."

Bundchen, who has been married to New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady for five years, does admit that this 'I come first' attitude is a struggle for mothers.

"You can feel a bit guilty - you feel guilty if you do and if you don't. But if I put my oxygen mask on first, if I'm feeling fulfilled and present and good about myself, then I'm going to be a much more patient, loving, understanding mother and wife. You have to fill your glass so that everyone can drink from it. That's how I feel."

It is a philosophy which, judging by her Instagram at least, Gisele does seem to live by, posting as many pictures of her campaigns, appearances and 'alone time' as she does of her two children.

Of course, with an estimated earning of more than NZ$50 million last year alone according to Forbes, many women may feel that Gisele's experience of motherhood, complete with nannies, chauffeurs and several mansions, is far from normal.

She raised eyebrows when she told the magazine that many adverts promote "unattainable" beauty for women, having just starred in a Channel No5 ad as a stunningly glamourous working -and surfing- mother.

However, Bundchen insists that the Parisian fashion house has made a conscious effort to make its latest campaign, which was directed by Baz Luhrmann, more relatable to regular women, arguing that you see the character "struggle to balance" her roles.

Gisele, who is a strong advocate of a wholesome, natural lifestyle, regularly practicing yoga, meditation, and growing most of the vegetables her family eat in the garden of their eco-house in Los Angeles, has also made her thoughts on breast feeding well known.

Speaking to Harper's Bazaar in 2006, she famously said that she believed that breastfeeding a child for its first six months should be law.

The model, who is rumoured to have meditated through her first eight hour labour, told the magazine: '"Some people here (in the US) think they don't have to breastfeed, and I think 'Are you going to give chemical food to your child when they are so little?'

"I think there should be a worldwide law, in my opinion, that mothers should breastfeed their babies for six months."

- Daily Mail