Parents and those who are about to become parents shouldn’t seek information about their child’s health on the internet but from doctors and medical professionals. In addition, the role of fathers in everyday life is also very important for the proper development and empowerment of children.
This was emphasised during the Info Day event on Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Preparation for the New Family Member, organised by the Association of Parents of Montenegro with the support of the Clinical Centre of Montenegro, the Health Centre of the Capital City, and the support of the EU Delegation to Montenegro and UNICEF.
Kristina Mihailović from the Association of Parents of Montenegro believes that parents today have countless available pieces of information, but they should direct their questions towards doctors and medical professionals.
“This event is somewhere a step towards that goal, but only one of the steps, because, through the portal, as well as through events which we organise, such as the “Family Caravan” which is currently ongoing and visiting all municipalities, we enable parents to obtain timely and accurate information in communication with healthcare professionals about the health, growth, and development of their children,” explained Mihailović.
Journalist Nemanja Živaljević, who was one of the panellists at the event, believes that the role of the father is extremely important in the upbringing of every child, and the time has passed when fathers did not get involved in upbringing.
“Fathers are now involved every day; they essentially help their families and their children. We definitely need to have new behaviour models, and as fathers, we need to be more present for our families, our wives, and our children to guide them in the right direction,” said Živaljević.
During the Info Day, various topics that interest future parents were covered.
Doctor Primarius Rajka Pajović, a paediatrician at the Health Centre of the Capital City, explained that it is very important to visit a paediatrician after fifteen days to monitor the baby’s psychomotor and social development, which are crucial.
She emphasised the need for monitoring the child, including regular check-ups, where the parent is there to follow and care for the child and provide social support.
“The parent is there to tell stories, to encourage, to play with the child, to allow independence in every way, from the first moments when the baby starts to do something on its own, to allow it all, to teach the child to be independent, from independent sitting, independent standing, and later when the child starts to goes to kindergarten, to get dressed independently as well. We must empower children, be the wind in their back. This event has been organised for several years now, of course, the Health Centre Podgorica is always present. During the celebration of Breastfeeding Week, our institution organised lectures on the advantages of breastfeeding and holding the baby,” said Pejović.
Jelena Populičić, a participant who was also pregnant, said that from the beginning of her pregnancy she wanted to attend pregnancy classes but did not find anyone to guide her.
“When, by chance, I saw an Instagram post that had information about some form of classes that would be taking place, I immediately showed it to my husband and felt the need to go so that I can be guided through the pregnancy and childbirth process, and later the child’s development. I’m not the type who held other people’s children and babies, so I have some fear, and I want to hear the opinion of professionals and learn something to better dedicate myself to my child,” said Jelena.
Her husband Lazar believes that such events are very important because future parents, especially those expecting their first child, need experience, primarily from professionals and other parents.
During the programme, visitors had the opportunity to hear from numerous experts in the field of health and family education. Within the event, a fair was organised where companies offered products for pregnant women, new mothers, babies, and other family members.
For future parents who were unable to attend the event, thanks to the support of UNICEF and the EU, the organiser provided recordings of all lectures and presentations. The recordings are available on the YouTube channel and Facebook page of Roditelji.me.