What would you do if you were born without arms… and then became a mum? Meet Dejana Backo, an artist, athlete, and now a TikTok star from Serbia — who’s proving that motherhood has no limits.
A Life Without Limits
Dejana Backo’s life began with challenges. Born without arms, she faced a world that often doubted her ability to do what others take for granted. But Dejana never let her physical disability define her. She became an artist, painting with her feet, and soon built a reputation on TikTok, sharing her journey with millions.
Now, at 28, she’s proving that being a mother is no different. Dejana and her partner, Marko Nezic, 24, welcomed their daughter Lara into the world just four months ago, and despite the unique challenges, the couple couldn’t be happier.
The Beginning of Motherhood
The early days of motherhood weren’t easy. “I wanted to pick up our baby so badly by myself, but I could not do it,” Dejana recalls. For someone who had always done things her way, this felt like an insurmountable obstacle.
But motherhood, like everything else, was an adaptation process. As Lara grew stronger and more independent, so did Dejana’s confidence. The small, everyday tasks that were once a struggle slowly became easier, like getting her daughter from her crib or putting her into a chair.
Now, four months into motherhood, Dejana says it feels more natural. “Her neck is now stronger, and she’s growing up so fast,” she says.
Adaptation: The Power of Finding Solutions
Having no arms means that Dejana has to find alternative ways to do things that most parents take for granted. Tasks like feeding, dressing, and holding her baby all require a different approach. Dejana uses her feet to make bottles, carry Lara, and even change her daughter’s diapers. In one video on TikTok, she shows how she places Lara into a baby carrier using just her feet, proving that no task is impossible if you find a way to make it work.
“The biggest fear for me was always lifting Lara from her crib,” she admits. “But now, it’s something I do every day.” Her ability to adapt to the challenges of motherhood is nothing short of inspiring.
Dejana can also use her chin and shoulders to open things, and even carry Lara’s stroller up stairs with Marko’s help. She is redefining what it means to be a superhero mom.
A Strong Support System
While Dejana’s resilience is unmatched, she isn’t alone in this journey. Marko has been by her side, helping with things like putting Lara on a pillow for feeding or carrying the stroller. Together, they make the perfect team.
The family also has some outside help to make their lives a bit easier. “We don’t cook. We always eat somewhere outside, like in a restaurant or someone else’s kitchen,” says Dejana. They also have help with cleaning, which allows Dejana to focus more on her daughter and her own well-being.
Dejana explains, “We have a lady who helps us two hours a day, especially in the evening with Lara.”
Going Viral on TikTok
Since giving birth, Dejana has started sharing her life as a mother on TikTok, and her honest, raw videos have gained millions of views. Whether it’s changing diapers with her feet or demonstrating how she carries her baby, people are amazed by her strength and creativity.
The response has been overwhelming. Many people have called her “superwoman” or the “definition of a superhero.” Dejana, however, doesn’t see it that way. She insists, “We’re not doing anything special. This is just our normal life. We are just documenting how we do things our way.”
Her story has sparked emotional reactions from parents and followers. Carla Hughes wrote, “And sometimes I think I have hard days being a mom. Well done mama, you're doing amazing.” Others, like Tammy Mae, said, “What an incredible woman!”
Dejana’s TikTok account has become a platform not just for showcasing her parenting but also for inspiring others to never limit themselves. “I think that’s the message — don’t limit yourself,” she says.
The Message: Living Beyond Limits
Dejana’s journey is a reminder that we all have the power to adapt and overcome our challenges. From her creative solutions to raising her daughter to the outpouring of support from her family and followers, Dejana proves that strength, love, and resilience know no bounds.
“It’s been a huge surprise for us to gain this much support,” she reflects. “We never planned for this, but we’re so grateful. We’re not doing anything special, just living our normal life and sharing it with others.”
For Dejana, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about showing others that life can be beautiful and full of possibilities, no matter the obstacles.
Closing Thoughts
Dejana’s journey is an incredible testament to the power of adaptation, love, and determination. Being a mum is hard, but being a mum without arms and still rocking it? That’s next-level love and strength.
As Dejana’s story continues to inspire people around the world, her message remains clear: “Don’t limit yourself. Anything is possible.”
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