In Situ Simulation in Prenatal Breastfeeding Education: A Pilot Study

Breastfeeding education should be initiated during pregnancy. Simulation is an effective educational technique that has been little explored in the context of prenatal education.

To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an in situ simulation scenario about breastfeeding, as a prenatal educational intervention at home, on breastfeeding self-efficacy and related outcomes.

This was a nonrandomized pilot intervention study with pre-test/post-test, conducted from October 2022 to November 2023. Pregnant people who received a home visit that provided an in situ simulation scenario entitled "Breastfeeding the Newborn" during prenatal care (n = 20) were compared to those who received only routine guidance (n = 20). Breastfeeding self-efficacy scores, exclusive breastfeeding rates, and difficulties in breastfeeding 2 months after delivery were evaluated and compared.

In the intragroup comparisons, a significant increase in breastfeeding self-efficacy scores was found among simulation participants (p < 0.01). Most participants were exclusively breastfeeding (n = 12, 60%) and reported no difficulties (n = 11, 55%) 2 months after delivery. However, no significant differences were found between groups. The findings also demonstrated the feasibility of implementing the in situ simulation scenario "Breastfeeding the Newborn" during the prenatal period.

This pilot study supports the potential of in situ simulation as an educational approach for prenatal breastfeeding promotion. Further research with larger samples and extended follow-up is recommended to explore its impact on breastfeeding outcomes.