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

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.

Inclusion Criteria: * To be a first-time mother (primipara). * To have had a preterm birth at 30 weeks or more of gestation. * For the baby to be hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit. * For the newborn to have no medical condition that prevents breastfeeding. * To be able to read and understand Turkish. * To be willing to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Mothers with a medical condition contraindicating breastfeeding. * Infants with a major congenital anomaly or medical condition preventing breast milk feeding. * Withdrawal of consent or inability to complete follow-up assessments.