The Effect of Podcast Breastfeeding Training on Mothers of Preterm Infants

The Effect of Podcast Breastfeeding Training on Breastfeeding Outcomes of Mothers of Preterm Infants Hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): A Randomized Controlled Study

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of breastfeeding education provided via podcast to mothers of preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit on the mothers' breastfeeding success, awareness, motivation, self-efficacy, and perception of insufficient milk supply. The research aims to help mothers overcome challenges in the breastfeeding process by increasing their knowledge levels and to strengthen their confidence in this process. Thus, the goal is to better meet the nutritional needs of preterm infants and to improve mothers' breastfeeding experiences in a positive direction.

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of breastfeeding education provided via podcast to mothers of preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit on the mothers' breastfeeding success, awareness, motivation, self-efficacy, and perception of insufficient milk supply. The sample for this study, conducted using a pre-test-post-test randomized controlled experimental design, consisted of patients admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Ordu University Education and Research Hospital at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Ordu University Education and Research Hospital, who were informed about the purpose of the current study, provided written and verbal consent to participate in the study, and were preterm infants between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation, along with their mothers who met the inclusion criteria. The "Demographic/Obstetric and Neonatal Characteristics Form," "Breastfeeding Motivation Scale," "Breastfeeding Awareness Scale," "Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale," and "Perceived Insufficient Milk Scale" were used to collect data. The sample will consist of mothers of preterm infants between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation who meet the inclusion criteria. The sample size for the study was determined to be 26 mothers, calculated using G-Power analysis with a 95% confidence level (1-α), 80% power (1-β), an effect size of 0.80, and an independent samples t-test. Due to the possibility of data loss, the number of participants was increased based on the results of the power analysis, and it was planned to include 56 mothers who met the selection criteria in the study sample. A podcast series on breastfeeding education will be shared with the mothers in the experimental group via a digital platform (WhatsApp). The content will cover: breastfeeding preterm infants, why breast milk is important, the composition of breast milk and its importance for preterm infants, and the benefits of breast milk for preterm infants, the breastfeeding process at YYBÜ, conditions for expressing and storing milk, challenges encountered during breastfeeding and their solutions, ways to increase milk production, seeking support for breastfeeding at YYBÜ, the role of breast milk in the nutrition of preterm infants, and recommendations for breastfeeding. Daily follow-up calls will be used to track whether the mothers listened to the podcasts. Mothers in the control group received only the standard breastfeeding education provided under the hospital protocol. No podcasts or other additional support were provided. The scales administered after the education provided via the podcast and standard care were reapplied to mothers in both groups. This will allow for a comparative evaluation of changes between the experimental and control groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The mother must volunteer to participate in the study,
• The mother must be 18 years of age or older
• After being accepted into the study, the mother must express her intention to breastfeed her baby
• The mother must be able to speak and read Turkish
• The mother's baby being between 32 and 37 weeks gestation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Illegal drug and tobacco use by the mother
• The mother's use of alcohol during pregnancy and after childbirth
• Active tuberculosis in the mother
• The presence of Herpes simplex virus lesions on the mother's breast
• The presence of a maternal psychiatric disorder
• Having prior experience breastfeeding a preterm infant
• Having a condition that prevents breastfeeding
• Mothers who have had multiple births.