Effectiveness of Breastfeeding Education Using a Lactation Simulation Model Among Nursing Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Breastfeeding education provided by nurses is an important determinant of breastfeeding success and maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy. Nursing students should acquire effective breastfeeding counseling skills before entering clinical practice. Simulation-based education offers students the opportunity to develop communication and clinical skills in a safe learning environment. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of breastfeeding education using a lactation simulation model among fourth-year nursing students. Students were randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving simulation-based breastfeeding education using a lactation simulation model or a control group receiving routine theoretical breastfeeding education. During their maternity clinical placement, students provided standardized breastfeeding education to postpartum mothers. The primary outcomes were students' breastfeeding education skills and maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy. Secondary outcomes included breastfeeding success assessed by the LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool and students' educational satisfaction. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence supporting the integration of simulation-based breastfeeding education into undergraduate nursing curricula.

Inclusion Criteria: \- Nursing Students: * Fourth-year undergraduate nursing students enrolled in the Department of Nursing at Izmir Katip Celebi University. * Students undertaking their maternity nursing clinical placement during the study period. * Students who voluntarily agreed to participate and provided written informed consent. Postpartum Mothers: * Mothers hospitalized in the postpartum unit of Izmir Ataturk Training and Research Hospital. * Mothers aged 18 years or older. * Mothers who delivered a healthy singleton infant. * Mothers who were breastfeeding their infants. * Mothers who were able to communicate in Turkish. * Mothers who voluntarily agreed to participate and provided written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: \- Nursing Students: * Students who did not complete the educational intervention or clinical placement. * Students who withdrew from the study or had excessive absenteeism during the clinical placement. Postpartum Mothers: * Mothers with medical conditions contraindicating breastfeeding. * Infants with congenital anomalies or medical conditions preventing breastfeeding. * Mothers whose infants required admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. * Mothers who declined participation or withdrew consent.