Hi, I’m Jasna Veljkovic,

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My name is Jasna Veljkovic and I am a passionate, versatile writer and a dedicated English teacher. I was born in Serbia, Eastern Europe, where I spent most of my childhood and early school years. I majored in Psychology, obtaining a Master’s in Industrial Psychology and International Relations in South Africa. 

I finished my schooling and university education in the beautiful and immensely diverse South Africa.  Growing up on two different continents immersed in different cultures, religions, and ethnic divisions, I was always drawn to social sciences. I majored in Psychology and International Relations and completed my Honours and Masters in Industrial Psychology but walked out of University with a lifelong love of learning. 

As I entered the corporate world I still held on to my academic pursuits and got a Management Diploma at the prestigious University of Witwatersrand Business School. A few years down the line, after starting a family, my love of people guided me to Life Coaching and I finished the Consciousness Coaching Course which took me all over spellbinding India on a life-changing journey.

In the early days of my academic career, I was bitten by the teaching bug while I tutored first-year students during my final years at University. Engaging and stimulating young minds was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and as such, I set my mind on completing a teaching diploma. Obtaining this certification has helped in homeschooling my own children, which strangely enough proved to be one of the biggest challenges of my life!

It was this mission to master the challenge of parenting, which threw me into even more intense research, looking for the best ways to overcome the early infant days from sleep deprivation and teething, to sensory overstimulation, detachment issues, and finding the balance between motherhood and career. My personal journey spurred me on in wanting to help other mothers like myself in this quest and show them that even though, I may not have all the answers, it is ok because they are not alone. Much strength can be found in knowing that we are all in this together.

 Articles by Jasna

Featured
Motherhood and Eating Disorders
Motherhood and Eating Disorders

This is an article about eating disorders during pregnancy and postpartum. It discusses the causes, risks, and effects of eating disorders on both mothers and babies. The article also provides information on how to get help and cope with an eating disorder. Some of the important points from this website are that eating disorders can have serious consequences for both mothers and babies, and that it is important to seek help if you are struggling with an eating disorder.

Empowered Women: Listening to Ourselves
Empowered Women: Listening to Ourselves

Throughout history, women have faced great societal pressure, which made it challenging for

them to follow their own instincts. However, as times change and women become more

empowered, it is essential for each woman to recognize the importance of listening to herself

rather than succumbing to the opinions of others. By honing in on our inner voice, women

can begin to make better life decisions that align with our goals, dreams, and overall well-

being. In this article, we will explore why women should trust their own judgment when

making life choices.

Holistic Postpartum Wellness
Holistic Postpartum Wellness

To say that the first year of motherhood is a challenge is a bit of an understatement. Your physical and psychological well-being is in full mode recovery. You are also under constant attack by a never-ending onslaught of stimuli that demand your full and undivided attention to keep that little human alive. Transitional changes that you have to undergo once you step into motherhood can leave devastation in their wake if you don’t have a plan to manage them well. A holistic approach will help you manage this transition physically as well as mentally and spiritually.

Your Baby at Four Months
Your Baby at Four Months

At four months, it is the end of the newborn era and the beginning of the infant age! Four-month milestones are a lot of fun to follow and explore, so stay informed but also remember to enjoy this journey with your baby.

The Relationship between Breastfeeding and Speech Development
The Relationship between Breastfeeding and Speech Development

The World Health Organization stresses its importance not just for the early months but recommends breastfeeding up until 12 months because the benefits of breastmilk continue long past infancy, and several studies have shown that breastfeeding enhances speech development and clarity.

Is It Safe to Breastfeed and Eat Sushi?
Is It Safe to Breastfeed and Eat Sushi?

One of the first things I was advised to give up immediately was sushi. An avid sushi fan (I would literally eat sushi 4 times a week), it was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. What made it even worse is that my mother insisted I had to give up sushi not just while I was pregnant but well after my daughter was born as she was adamant that sushi contaminates the breastmilk! Read on to learn if it’s safe to eat sushi while breastfeeding.

A Collection of Short Breastfeeding Stories
A Collection of Short Breastfeeding Stories

I got my women tribe and book club ladies to share and compare our breastfeeding stories. Our children are of various ages, from babies to teenagers, and some of us are stay-at-home moms, and some are working moms ranging from teachers to physios. It was an interesting collection of stories highlighting how normal breastfeeding is, with the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Pumping While Driving
Pumping While Driving

As a new mom with an infant to care for, you probably have realized how talented you are at multitasking. And this is before you even came close to the end of your maternity leave. Juggling all the extras like nappy changes, nursing, bathing, burping, rocking, soothing, and everything in between on top of your already full cup of daily tasks is no easy feat. When you throw in your work obligations, if you are a working mom, your time is minimal, and you have to optimize it to the best of your ability. This is why being able to express while driving becomes such a valuable skill.

Why We Need Our Tribe
Why We Need Our Tribe

From the dawn of time, women needed each other to share the heavy burdens that fell upon them. They helped each other through the pains of childbirth. They joined forces in feeding and nurturing their families. They were "the village" we speak of when we say it takes a village to raise a child because they all looked after each other's children in their village. They shared their fears, dreams, hopes, sadness, and pain, but most of all, they shared their strength.

To Be or Not to Be a Stay-at-Home Mom
To Be or Not to Be a Stay-at-Home Mom

Sometimes, the stay-at-home option works better for moms and their families as it reduces the stressors influencing their daily life. Multitasking can take its toll on the mother's mental health. By letting go of job-related stress, moms can shift their focus to their families. Read more about the advantages and disadvantages of being a working vs. non-working mom.