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New mothers often find themselves participating in local children’s centers, singing nursery rhymes like “Wheels on the Bus” with their babies. Yet, despite these interactions, simply leaving the house can feel overwhelming, especially in the early postpartum days. It’s understandable to question if group singing outside of the home makes a difference.
Recent research by The Royal College of Music and Imperial College London shows that group singing with other new mothers can significantly alleviate symptoms of postnatal depression. This groundbreaking study inspired Breathe Arts Health Research to create Breathe Melodies for Mums, a free singing program designed to support mothers coping with stress, anxiety, and social isolation. Led by specialists in arts and health, these sessions focus on uplifting songs from various cultures and languages, allowing participants to connect and share their experiences.
The results are remarkable: after six weeks, participants reported a nearly 35% reduction in postnatal depression symptoms, with 65% no longer experiencing moderate to severe symptoms. Mothers like Jenny, who faced complex postpartum challenges and low moods, found the sessions supportive. Through the program, Jenny discovered the value of self-care and felt a positive shift in her emotional well-being.
Ruth, another participant, faced the unique struggles of giving birth during the pandemic, which led to isolation and limited family support. She describes how singing became a source of endorphins, lifting her mood amid a monotonous routine. The program’s benefits extend beyond reducing depression, promoting overall well-being, self-esteem, and mother-baby bonding, with studies also noting a significant reduction in stress hormone levels compared to other interventions.
Recognizing the potential of this intervention, Breathe Arts Health Research and King’s College London are exploring ways to expand Breathe Melodies for Mums, aiming to embed it in clinical care pathways. The hope is to secure long-term funding, potentially enabling NHS-wide access to support more mothers with mental health needs.
Jenny underscores the impact of such support, envisioning a future where all new mothers can benefit from similar programs. For those in London with infants up to nine months, Breathe Melodies for Mums offers a free 10-week program starting in October 2022. More details are available on their website, breatheahr.org.
