Effect of VRBaby-Pump on Breastmilk Expression Experiences and Milk Volume in Mothers of Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial

AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of the VRBaby-Pump application on the breast milk expression experience and milk volume of mothers who gave birth preterm. METHODS: This study is a two-arm parallel design randomized controlled experimental study. The study data were collected from 88 mothers (44 primiparous, 44 multiparous) who had preterm births at the Perinatology and Obstetrics Clinic of Health Sciences University Antalya Training and Research Hospital between January 27 and April 17, 2025. The VRBaby-Pump application consisted of a virtual baby room and a wearable breast pump attached to a toy baby's head. Mothers in the intervention group received breast milk expression training and used the VRBaby-Pump application once a day for 15 minutes over 2 days. Mothers in the control group received only breast milk expression training. Data collection tools included the Personal Information Form, the Breast Milk Expression Experience Scale and the Daily Milk Volume Tracking Form. RESULTS: < 0.001). It was determined that mothers in the intervention group had a more positive breast milk expression experience compared to those in the control group, and their milk volume was higher. CONCLUSION: It was determined that the VRBaby-Pump application was effective in improving the breast milk expression experience and in increasing the amount of breast milk among mothers who had preterm births.