THE EFFECT OF A VIRTUAL REALITY BREASTFEEDING EXPERIENCE ON BREASTFEEDING EXPECTATIONS AND AVOIDANCE

This randomized controlled trial aims to examine the effect of a virtual reality breastfeeding experience on breastfeeding expectations during pregnancy and breastfeeding avoidance after childbirth. Pregnant women will be randomly assigned to a group that receives a virtual reality breastfeeding experience or a control group. Breastfeeding expectations will be assessed, and breastfeeding avoidance will be evaluated after childbirth. The study will investigate whether experiencing a breastfeeding scenario in a virtual environment can help women develop more positive expectations about breastfeeding and reduce breastfeeding avoidance after birth. The findings may contribute to the development of innovative educational approaches to support breastfeeding preparation during pregnancy.

Inclusion Criteria: The study will include women aged 18-39 who are primiparous, at 36 weeks of gestation, literate, and able to understand and speak Turkish. Exclusion Criteria: Women with high-risk pregnancies, those with contraindications to breastfeeding, and those with visual or hearing impairments will be excluded from the study.