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A new study suggests that new moms struggling with postpartum depression may find relief in an unexpected way: group singing lessons.
The researchers behind the study have indicated that these sessions provide a “long-lasting effect” on postpartum depression (PND) symptoms, prompting local health bodies to introduce such programmes.
The findings come as almost one in four (24 per cent) of mothers in the UK are affected by PND, who often face significant barriers to accessing conventional treatment. This underlines the importance of exploring alternative, arts-based interventions.
But the real-life effectiveness of such approaches has not been fully tested, the academics said, as they set out to test whether mothers participating in such programs would benefit.
“Given the rising rates of PND and its widespread impact on both the mother and ChildIt is extremely important to identify and treat PND as early as possible, the authors write in the British Journal of Psychiatry.
“Although the gold standard for treatment is psychological therapy and psychotherapy, many mothers with PND experience challenges and stigma in obtaining care.”
Academics from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London, in conjunction with Breathe Arts Health Research, investigated the effectiveness of a group singing session specifically designed for mothers to participate in with their children.
About 199 mothers with PND were enrolled in the study.
They were advised to either do group singing sessions or visit existing community-based mother and baby activities.
During the singing session, mothers and their children would sit in a circle on the floor and they would sing welcome songs and then several songs from around the world in different languages.
The songs included multiple parts and melodies and were accompanied by maracas, drums, and other simple instruments that mothers and their children could play together.
The women were reevaluated after six, 10, 20 and 36 weeks.
The researchers found that both groups saw a reduction in symptoms after 10 weeks.
But after 20 weeks and 36 weeks, only the mothers in a singing group called Breathe Melodies for Mums (M4M) appeared to have sustained benefits.
The researchers said that mothers in the singing group were more likely to remain in the study and reported that the program was acceptable and appropriate.
The research team also considered it a cost-effective solution.
The authors concluded, “M4M had a long-term impact on PND symptoms and was considered more appropriate than existing activities; thus, M4M represents a worthwhile investment for health care systems as an intervention for mothers experiencing PND symptoms.”
Carmine Pariente, professor of biological psychiatry at King’s IOPPN and senior author of the study, said: “Unfortunately postnatal depression is a common illness experienced by many new mothers.
“While effective interventions such as psychotherapy and medications can and do help, there are social barriers due to the stigma that surrounds depression, meaning that other interventions are necessary to ensure that these women can get the support they need.
“Our study provides important evidence that Breathe Melodies for Mums can provide an effective means of support that is also engaging and accessible.”
Dr Rebecca Bind, a research fellow at King’s IOPPN and first author of the study, said: “At a time when the NHS is oversubscribed and under pressure to make every pound count, this intervention is a good use of resources that has a powerful and long-lasting impact on mothers and potentially their babies.”