
Gamification-Based Breastfeeding Counseling and Nursing
Chapter from the book:
Bulut,
Ö.
Ü.
&
Şimşek Küçükkelepçe,
D.
(eds.)
2025.
Rising Trend in Health Sciences: Gamification.
Synopsis
Breastfeeding is the most essential nutritional method for the healthy development of newborns, and the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF (United Nations Help Fund for Children) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Increasing breastfeeding rates requires effective support and structured educational processes. Nurses play a crucial role in this process by providing breastfeeding counseling, guiding mothers on breastfeeding techniques, maintaining milk production, and managing potential challenges, ensuring that the breastfeeding process is more informed and sustainable.
During breastfeeding counseling, nurses hold a critical position, and the use of innovative methods is essential for the effectiveness of breastfeeding education. While traditional education methods may sometimes be insufficient, game-based approaches and gamification techniques can encourage parents' active participation in the learning process. Gamification is a strategy that enhances interaction and motivation in education, making learning more engaging and sustainable. The integration of technology into educational processes is supported by tools such as Virtual Learning Environments and mobile applications. Gamified breastfeeding education materials and videos facilitate parents' access to information.
In conclusion, gamification and technology-supported educational methods enhance the active participation of both healthcare professionals and parents in the breastfeeding process. The effectiveness of nurses in breastfeeding counseling should be strengthened, and the use of innovative methods in this process should be encouraged. Nurses' adoption of these innovative approaches is a crucial step in increasing breastfeeding rates and promoting maternal and infant health.