The Association House of Happy Childhood, with the support of the City of Kaštela, officially opened the 13th cycle of its free pregnancy course intended for pregnant women and future parents this Wednesday.
The program, which takes place from December 10 to 13, 2025, traditionally brings together experts from the fields of gynecology, psychology, neonatology, midwifery, physical therapy, and pediatrics — with the clear goal of providing participants with knowledge, support, and security before the arrival of a new family member.
Day One — The Path to Information and Safety
The first lecture on Wednesday was given by Dr. Marina Pehlić, a perinatologist from KBC Split, on the topic of “Childbirth at KBC Split”. Expectant mothers and fathers were given insight into the protocols, procedures and course of childbirth at the Split hospital, along with practical advice on how to best prepare. Special attention was paid to possible complications, precautions, but also realistic expectations, which was encouraging and reassuring for many participants.
The president of the association House of Happy Childhood, Marlena Miletić, said:
- We can confirm that pregnant women received carefully selected, concise and professional information and that there was an intimate and collaborative atmosphere in which pregnant women relaxed and asked the questions that were on their minds.
Miletić also pointed out that this year's cycle has 31 candidates on the list, with several fathers actively participating and preparing to enter parenthood. This is evidence of the growing interest and need for such programs in Kaštela.
What awaits participants in the coming days?
In the coming days, participants will have the opportunity to listen to lectures and workshops by renowned experts. Topics include psychological preparation, physical readiness for childbirth, newborn care, breastfeeding, the first steps in parenthood — and even breathing and baby-handling techniques for the first days after birth.
As Miletić announced, the goal is for future parents to gain not only theoretical knowledge, but also clear thinking about how to organize the first days with their child. Special attention is paid to topics that are often neglected: emotional readiness, legal and psychological aspects, and mutual trust between parents and healthcare staff.
In her words:
- What really makes this cycle special is that future parents receive comprehensive answers and can imagine how to plan the first days with their child.
She also emphasized how important it is for the participants — this generation of future mothers — not to succumb to fashion trends or advice from online forums, but to trust themselves, their bodies, and experts.
Free opportunity, important support
The free pregnancy course in Kaštela has been recognized for years as a valuable and necessary program — precisely because it offers professional education and psychological support to future parents at one of the most important moments in their lives.
Gratitude for the organization and free participation goes to the City of Kaštela and the Sveti Jeronim Association, who each time provide space for meetings. Miletić especially thanked Bernarda Janković from Sveti Jeronim for her continued cooperation and support.
This cycle shows once again that a well-informed start to pregnancy and parenthood can have long-term positive consequences — for the mother, the child, and the entire family.
Lectures continue in the coming days:
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Two lectures are scheduled for Thursday:
17 pm – Anamaria Marelja Ušljeberka, MA in Psychology:
"Psychological perspective in pregnancy and postpartum"
The lecture will address emotional and psychological changes in pregnant women and young mothers.
6:15 p.m. – Dr. Nives Luetić, gynecology specialist:
"Preparation for childbirth"
Participants will learn how to prepare physically and mentally for childbirth, what to expect, and how to overcome any fears.
Friday, December 12, 2025.
Two extremely important lectures on maternal and child health have been announced for Friday:
17 pm – Dr. Alida Čelić-Rogulj, specialist in pediatrics:
"Healthcare and newborn care"
The lecture includes answers to the most common questions parents have in the first days of their child's life.
6:15 p.m. – Gordana Rogošić, Bachelor of Midwifery:
"Midwives and the art of breastfeeding"
Part of the program is dedicated to the postpartum period, breastfeeding, and supporting the mother in the initial challenges.
Saturday, December 13, 2025.
The final day of the course begins with morning workshops:
9 o'clock - prof. Katija Delaš, BA. vft:
"Relaxation breathing (during childbirth)"
Pregnant women will learn breathing techniques that facilitate labor and contribute to a calmer birth.
10:15 am – Martea Konsa, neurodevelopmental Bobath therapist:
"Baby handling - correct handling of a baby"
Expert workshop on proper handling of a newborn, important for the healthy motor development of the child.
Photo: Ivana Topic
