The effect of virtual reality headsets on breast milk production and anxiety in mothers of preterm infants

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of virtual reality (VR) headsets on breast milk production and anxiety levels in mothers of preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). METHODS: This quasi-experimental study included 30 mothers whose preterm infants (30-37 weeks of gestation) were admitted to the NICU at Van Yuzuncu Yil University Dursun Odabas Medical Center between November 2, 2023, and June 1, 2024. Mothers expressed their first milk of the day for three days, and the volume was recorded using the Breast Milk Quantity Monitoring Form. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was administered before milking. After three days, mothers underwent VR relaxation sessions (10 min daily) for three consecutive days, followed by milk expression and volume recording. The STAI was re-administered on the final day. RESULTS: Post-VR anxiety scores were significantly lower than pre-VR scores (t = 5.487, p < 0.001). Breast milk volume increased significantly after VR sessions (z = 4.553, p < 0.001). A moderate negative correlation was found between anxiety and milk quantity (r = -0.394, p = 0.031). Multivariable analyses showed that prior breastfeeding experience and education level influenced milk volume. CONCLUSION: VR headsets may reduce anxiety (p < 0.001) and enhance breast milk production (p < 0.001) in mothers of preterm infants in the NICU. Further research with larger samples and longer interventions is needed to confirm these findings and optimize VR's role in maternal health.