The Effect of Virtual Reality-Based Relaxation on Breast Milk Volume and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy in Mothers of Preterm Infants

NCT07336186 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: Suzi-04
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 44
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

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.

Conditions

Lactation; Breastfeeding; Premature Birth; Maternal Stress; Self-Efficacy

Keywords

Virtual Reality; Relaxation techniques; Breast milk volume; Breastfeeding self-efficacy

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Daily Breast Milk Volume

  The total amount of breast milk expressed manually during the study session.

  Daily for 3 consecutive days.

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale Score

  At the end of the 3rd day of the intervention.

Study Arms (2)

Virtual Reality Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Mothers in this group used a virtual reality (VR) headset before the milk expression process. They watched a 10-minute relaxation video consisting of nature scenes (forests, waterfalls) accompanied by classical music. After the session, the researcher performed manual milk expression for at least 20 minutes. This procedure was repeated once daily for three days.

Behavioral: Virtual Reality-Based Relaxation

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Mothers in this group received standard care. They sat in the same breastfeeding room for 10 minutes but did not use the VR headset or any other relaxation intervention. Following this period, the researcher performed manual milk expression for at least 20 minutes using the same technique as the experimental group. This procedure was repeated once daily for three days.

Interventions

Virtual Reality-Based Relaxation BEHAVIORAL

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.

Virtual Reality Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• 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.

You may not qualify if:

• 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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Kocaeli University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Kocaeli University

Kocaeli, İzmit, 41001, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Breast Feeding; Premature Birth

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Feeding Behavior; Behavior; Obstetric Labor, Premature; Obstetric Labor Complications; Pregnancy Complications; Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications; Urogenital Diseases

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor, PhD

Model Details: 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.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: January 2, 2026
• First Posted: January 13, 2026
• Study Start: October 1, 2023
• Primary Completion: October 1, 2024
• Study Completion: October 1, 2024
• Last Updated: January 13, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-01

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)