The Effect of Web-Based Counselling on Breastfeeding Experiences and Infant Care Competence Among Mothers of Preterm Babies

Summary

Breast milk is of great importance for preterm infants in terms of optimal growth, immune system development, and neurodevelopment. However, mothers who give birth prematurely may face various challenges during the breastfeeding process due to their infants' need for monitoring in the neonatal intensive care unit, mother-infant separation, and the need to pump breast milk. This situation can negatively affect the experience of expressing breast milk and the mother's perception of her competence in caring for her baby.

The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the effect of web-based breastfeeding counseling on the breast milk expression experience and the competence in caring for a preterm infant among mothers of preterm infants. A total of 56 mothers who gave birth preterm at 30 weeks of gestation or later and whose infants are being monitored in the neonatal intensive care unit will be included in the study. Participants will be randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups.

Mothers in the intervention group will have access to a Moodle-based training program that includes video training on breastfeeding counseling and care for premature infants, as well as the opportunity to ask the researcher questions online. Mothers in the control group, on the other hand, will continue to receive the hospital's routine education and care services.

The primary outcome measures of the study will be assessed using the Breastfeeding Experience Scale and the Premature Infant Care Competence Assessment Tool. Measurements will be taken at the start of the study, following the training, and at the end of the one-month follow-up period to examine the effect of web-based counseling on mothers' breastfeeding experience and care competence.

Conditions

• Preterm Birth

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Web-Based Breastfeeding Counseling and Infant Care Program

Participants assigned to the intervention group will receive a web-based breastfeeding counseling program delivered through a Moodle-based platform in addition to routine hospital care. The program includes evidence-based educational videos on breastfeeding, breast milk expression techniques, breast milk storage, kangaroo care, management of common breastfeeding problems, preterm infant care, and post-discharge care. Participants may access the educational materials at any time during the study and communicate with the researcher through the platform for counseling and support.

OTHER

control group

Participants assigned to the control group will receive the standard postpartum care and routine breastfeeding education provided by the hospital. No additional web-based breastfeeding counseling or educational program will be provided during the study period.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Medipol University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Abide Başpınar · Medipol University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-09-01

Primary Completion

2027-01-01

Completion

2027-02-28