Are you experiencing an ongoing low mood, lack of interest in things, or anxiety since having a baby? If so, you may be suffering symptoms of post-natal depression (PND). It is incredibly common in the year after giving birth and can be difficult to cope with and talk about.
Breathe Arts Health Research have created Melodies for Mums, a pioneering intervention for post-natal depression that has been scientifically proven to help. Groups of mums and babies get together in a welcoming and supportive environment and sing. It’s a fun way to boost your mood, bond with your baby and be around other people who understand what you’re going through.
Get involved
The next series of singing groups kicks off in January 2022 and runs for 10 weeks. If you’re a new mum with a baby aged 0 – 9 months, living in London and currently experiencing symptoms of PND you may be eligible to join. Get in touch at m4m@breatheahr.org or register your interest online today.
About the sessions
Sessions are informal and relaxed, and you don’t need to have any previous musical experience to take part. It’s not your average mum and baby singing group – there’s no Wheels on the Bus here. Instead, you’ll be singing anything from folk, to lullabies and gospel, in Kiluba, Swahili, English and Native American.
Your baby will get a lot out of the sessions, but the focus is on making you feel good. Mums talk about experiencing a real lift, an increase in confidence and energy, and a release of tension.
“In all the Melodies for Mums sessions the music just lifted our spirits and reminded me again how music is a driving force for connection and healing.” Melodies for Mums Participant
The science behind the groups
Melodies for Mums is a scientifically proven intervention. In 2016, the Royal College of Music and Imperial College took 150 mothers with symptoms of PND and split them into three groups, each receiving a different type of care – ten weeks of usual care, ten weeks of social groups and ten weeks of social singing groups. They found that those in the social singing groups had significantly faster improvements in their PND. In fact, about three quarters of them had recovered from their symptoms by the end of the ten-week project.
What’s next for Melodies for Mums?
The research project is ongoing, with the long-term goal that group singing sessions will eventually be rolled out as a clinical service within the NHS. By joining the groups, you’ll be part of this study, meaning that other women across the country will hopefully have access to this joyful programme in the future.
