Effect of Breast Massage and Virtual Reality Application on Lactation in Postpartum Women: A Randomized, Controlled...

Cesarean delivery can negatively impact breastfeeding due to the effects of anesthesia, incision pain, and insufficient oxytocin release. New nonpharmacologic approaches are needed in the postpartum period to improve breastfeeding success and support initiation.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of breast massage and virtual reality (VR) applied to postpartum women after cesarean section on lactation, breastfeeding skills, and breastfeeding self-efficacy.

This randomized, controlled trial was conducted from January 31, 2025, to June 12, 2025, with 94 postpartum women who gave birth by cesarean section in a training and research hospital in Türkiye. Three different groups were formed: the breast massage group (BMG; n = 32), the virtual reality group (VRG; n = 31), and the control group (CG; n = 31). Interventions were performed at hours 3 and 24 postoperatively. The data-collection tools used in this study were a high-precision infant scale, the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form, and the LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment.

Milk transfer volume, considered a primary outcome at 24 hours postoperatively, showed higher values in the BMG than in the CG (P < 0.05). whereas no difference was found between the VRG and the CG (P > 0.05). In all three groups, 24-hour values increased significantly compared with 3-hour values (P < 0.05). LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form scores, considered as secondary outcome measures, increased over time in all groups (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed between the groups (P > 0.05).

This study showed that breast massage increased milk transfer within 24 hours compared with the CG, whereas VR application yielded similar results to the CG. The findings suggest that breast massage may support early milk transfer, but further research is needed regarding the effects of VR.