If you’re a new mum, you might have found yourself struggling with feelings that no one quite warned you about—low moods, overwhelming anxiety, and a sense of isolation. Postnatal depression (PND) can be a silent, invisible struggle that makes the early days of motherhood feel incredibly difficult. While you’re expected to feel joy and excitement, instead, you may feel disconnected or lost. Getting out of the house or finding the energy to engage with others can seem like an impossible task. But one surprising thing has been proven to help…

Groundbreaking research from The Royal College of Music and Imperial College London has shown that singing in a group can have a profound impact on the effects of postnatal depression (PND). It’s this research that inspired the not-for-profit social enterprise Breathe Arts Health Research to create their free group singing programme: Breathe Melodies for Mums. These weekly sessions aim to support new mums who may be struggling with feelings of stress, anxiety, and social isolation. Led by a specialist arts and health singing leader, the programme features powerful and uplifting songs—ranging from folk to gospel and sung in a variety of different languages—that allow participants to build connections through shared experiences and cultures.

The results have been astonishing. One study found that after just six weeks of singing, mums experienced a 35% decrease in symptoms of PND, and 65% no longer had moderate to severe symptoms.

The impact of group singing

Jenny, a former Breathe Melodies for Mums participant, had a complicated first birth, and her son was taken into neonatal care for a week. After she brought him home, Jenny found herself struggling with progressively low moods, unable to understand why she didn’t feel the joy everyone told her she should be experiencing.

“Asking for help is difficult,” she says. “I’d brought a new human into the world. It was a huge adjustment that affected my emotional and mental health. I constantly had the nagging feeling that something was wrong. I was wondering, what’s going on? Why am I feeling like this?”

Jenny finally heard about Breathe Melodies for Mums through a baby weigh-in clinic, and she decided to give it a try. “I felt so safe in the class,” says Jenny. “The group leaders were so warm and welcoming. There was no stigma. We were all just there singing and trying to find ourselves through music.” As the sessions progressed, Jenny felt her mood improve. “The sessions really increase your energy level and mood, which is vital when you have a baby. They reminded me that as a mum, you have to count yourself as important. You can’t neglect yourself.”

Charlene, a mental health nurse, was already balancing life with a teenager and a toddler when she found out she was expecting her third child. But her pregnancy soon became complicated, with her baby having a high heart rate and Charlene’s chronic hypertension making things more stressful. After giving birth, Charlene was left to manage the early days of motherhood alone, as her partner was away.

“I was just rushing around, trying to keep up with everything. I didn’t realise how drained I was until I stopped to think about it,” Charlene recalls.

When she met Tim, a Breathe programme officer at her local children’s centre, he introduced her to Breathe Melodies for Mums. Initially unsure, Charlene decided to give it a try. “I didn’t think I had the time, but I’m so glad I went,” she says.

The sessions quickly became a lifeline. “It wasn’t just about singing — it gave me a chance to stop, reflect, and connect with other mums. It empowered me and gave me confidence in myself as a mother,” she shares. The songs became part of her daily routine, helping her feel more grounded and connected to her baby.

“Breathe Melodies for Mums helped me through a challenging time. I felt more confident and less pressured to be perfect,” Charlene explains. “It was an investment in myself, and it made me a better mum.”

A Growing movement for maternal mental health

Breathe Melodies for Mums continues to make a difference in the lives of many new mums. As well as the initial research piece that the programme was based on, another 5-year study following 200 mums has just been completed. The SHAPER project expands on the earlier findings and looks at the effectiveness of arts-based interventions for maternal mental health, with results expected to be published soon, adding to the growing body of evidence supporting the power of music to improve mental health.

One of the key advocates for maternal mental health in the UK is Laura Kyrke-Smith, Labour MP for Aylesbury. In early February 2025, she led a powerful parliamentary debate on postnatal mental health, calling for better and more accessible mental health services for new mothers. Kyrke-Smith’s efforts are personal, as she tragically lost a close friend to suicide shortly after childbirth, despite her repeated attempts to seek help. Her campaign for integrated mental health care for mothers is helping to shine a light on the urgent need for more support.

The need for better support has never been clearer. One in 10 new mothers experiences postnatal depression and for many, traditional methods of seeking help aren’t always accessible due to societal stigmas or a lack of awareness. Programmes like Breathe Melodies for Mums offer an alternative that can be easier to access and often more effective than conventional approaches.

This growing momentum also includes recognition from the TEDxNHS platform, where Yvonne Farquharson, Founder and Managing Director of Breathe Arts Health Research, spoke last year about the transformative power of music and arts-based health initiatives. The TEDxNHS talk further highlighted the positive impact Breathe Melodies for Mums has had on maternal mental health, showcasing how this unique programme can offer a lifeline to new mothers who may feel isolated and overwhelmed. Watch the TEDxNHS talk here.

A future of healing through song

With the support of the SHAPER study, further research, and advocacy from campaigners like Laura Kyrke-Smith, the hope is to integrate Breathe Melodies for Mums into maternal care across the UK. If this innovative programme could become a standard part of care for all mothers experiencing PND, it would represent a pathway to recovery that goes beyond traditional medical routes.

Jenny’s wish is to see the programme become universally available: “If you could reach the goal of making it standard for all women to get this kind of support, that would be amazing. I would recommend it to any new mums. People don’t realise how powerful the arts can be for your mental health.”

If you’re affected by any of the issues in this article, and you’re based in London with a baby aged 0-9 months, see whether there’s a Breathe Melodies for Mums group running near you. Participation is free. Book now.

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