Specially designed group singing classes have been found to be clinically effective in treating postnatal depression among new mothers, according to a major three-year study.
The Melodies for Mums program, which began in 2017 in Southwark, south London, now serves over 400 women annually across five London boroughs and offers online sessions throughout the UK.
The classes feature a diverse repertoire including lullabies, folk, and gospel songs in multiple languages, and are carefully structured to address symptoms of postnatal depression such as low mood, anxiety, and social withdrawal.
Participants, like Holly, a 30-year-old mother, have described the sessions as transformative, providing a safe space to connect with others experiencing similar challenges.
Postnatal depression affects more than one in ten women within a year of childbirth, with symptoms ranging from persistent sadness to difficulties in self-care and insomnia.
The Melodies for Mums initiative was inspired by earlier research suggesting that group singing can reduce stress and anxiety, and it emphasizes social bonding and peer support as key components.
In 2019, the program became part of a Wellcome Trust-funded study involving nearly 200 mothers with postnatal depression.
The study compared outcomes between mothers attending the singing classes and those receiving typical community support.
While all participants showed symptom improvement by the tenth week, those in the singing group continued to experience benefits for six months after the sessions ended.
The singing group also had lower dropout rates and reported higher satisfaction with the intervention.
Researchers suggest that the benefits of singing may stem from the shared experience among mothers and the relaxing effects of singing itself.
Additional analysis measuring cortisol levels indicated a steady decline in stress hormones among participants in the singing group.
The classes also fostered stronger bonds between mothers and their babies, with many continuing to use the songs at home.
Organizers emphasize that these singing sessions are not intended to replace traditional therapies but can serve as a complementary or more accessible option, especially given long NHS waiting times for mental health services.
The cost of the program, ranging from £126 to £539 per mother and baby, is comparable to other educational interventions and less expensive than group therapy or home visits.
The program has expanded to include sessions for young fathers and has been commissioned by the World Health Organization to train teams in several countries including Denmark, Italy, and Romania.
Participants report not only improved mental health but also practical coping skills, such as using singing to manage stress at home.