New research from Breathe Arts Health Research, the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London and University College London has shown that our Breathe Melodies for Mums programme, is an effective way to treat mothers with postnatal depression.
The study, published today (15 October 2025) in the British Journal of Psychiatry, is the first to evaluate both the clinical and cost effectiveness of group singing sessions for mothers experiencing postnatal depression. It is part of the wider SHAPER (Scaling Health-Arts Programme: Implementation & Effectiveness Research) programme which is assessing the effectiveness and implementation of arts-in-health interventions.
199 mothers experiencing postnatal depression were recruited to participate in sessions at children and family centres across South London and were randomly split into two groups. 66 participants, acting as the control group, were signposted to preexisting mother-baby activity groups that did not involve singing for 10 weeks, while 133 were provided with 10 weeks of the in-person group singing intervention for mothers and babies, Breathe Melodies for Mums.
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The study found that Breathe Melodies for Mums had a long-lasting effect on symptoms of PND, was associated with 15 extra days of full health, was found to be cost-effective and more suitable than pre-existing activity groups.
Yvonne Farquharson, Founder and Managing Director of Breathe Arts Health Research said,
“Breathe are excited to be part of this pioneering new study that shows how our bespoke group singing programme can be an effective and accessible treatment pathway for women struggling with postnatal depression. We hope this research provides a compelling case to commissioners and funders across the UK to invest in this clinically and cost-effective programme, which is now proven to change lives.
There are often many cultural and societal barriers to women accessing mainstream healthcare services, and we can now show that this creative intervention can be a viable option for those women who might not otherwise access traditional healthcare. As well as providing an additional option for those already accessing help and support.
At Breathe, we pride ourselves on putting science at the heart of creative health, so we know not just if something works, but how, and this study is a perfect example of that.”
Read the full study here.
Professor Carmine Pariante, Professor of Biological Psychiatry at King’s IoPPN and the study’s senior author said,
“Unfortunately postnatal depression is a common illness experienced by many new mothers. While effective interventions like psychotherapy and medications can and do help, there are societal barriers due to the stigma that surrounds depression that mean other interventions are a necessity to ensure that these women can receive the support they need.
Our study provides vital evidence that Breathe Melodies for Mums can offer an effective means of support that is also engaging and accessible.”
Download the SHAPER 2025 Press Release.
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