Breastfeeding, Lactation, Maternal Stress, Premature Birth, Self-Efficacy
Conditions
Keywords
Virtual Reality, Relaxation techniques, Breast milk volume, Breastfeeding self-efficacy
Brief summary
This study evaluates whether using virtual reality (VR) for relaxation helps mothers of premature babies produce more breast milk and feel more confident about breastfeeding. Mothers in the intervention group used VR headsets to watch calming nature videos while listening to music before expressing milk. The study compares their milk volume and self-efficacy scores to a control group receiving standard care.
Detailed description
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of a virtual reality (VR) relaxation intervention on breast milk production and breastfeeding confidence in mothers of premature infants. Methodology: * The study followed a randomized controlled design with two parallel groups. * A total of 44 mothers whose infants were hospitalized in a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit were enrolled. * Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. Intervention and Procedures: * Intervention Group: Participants used a VR headset to watch a 10-minute video featuring nature landscapes accompanied by classical music. Following the video, the researcher performed manual milk expression for at least 20 minutes. * Control Group: Participants sat in the same breastfeeding room but did not use the VR headset. They received the same manual milk expression procedure by the same researcher. * The procedure was conducted once daily for three consecutive days for both groups. * To maintain stability in milk fat content, all sessions took place between 12:00 and 14:00. Data Collection: * Daily milk volume was measured in milliliters using sterile containers or injectors. * Breastfeeding self-efficacy was assessed at the end of the third day using the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale for Mothers of Preterm Infants. * Demographic information was collected at the beginning of the study using a personal information form.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALVirtual Reality-Based Relaxation
A 10-minute immersive VR experience featuring calming nature landscapes and classical music designed to reduce stress and promote let-down reflex before milk expression.
Sponsors
Kocaeli University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving VR-based relaxation or a control group receiving standard care. Both groups were followed simultaneously for a period of three days to compare outcomes.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Mothers who have given birth to a single infant between 32 and 35 weeks of gestation. * Mothers whose infants are hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). * Mothers who have delivered via Cesarean section. * First-time mothers (Primiparous). * Mothers who are willing to provide breast milk and participate in the study. * Mothers whose infants are not yet able to breastfeed directly and require milk expression.
Exclusion criteria
* Mothers with any systemic or psychiatric diseases. * Mothers with obstetric complications. * Mothers who have a history of using addictive substances. * Mothers who use medications or herbal products to increase breast milk (galactagogues). * Mothers with hearing or vision impairments that would prevent the use of a VR headset. * Mothers whose infants have congenital anomalies.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Breast Milk Volume | Daily for 3 consecutive days. | The total amount of breast milk expressed manually during the study session. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale Score | At the end of the 3rd day of the intervention. | Maternal confidence in breastfeeding as measured by the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale for Mothers of Preterm Infants (BSES-SF-PI). The scale consists of 20 items. Total scores range from 20 to 100, where higher scores indicate higher levels of breastfeeding self-efficacy. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed