Breathe Melodies for Mums

Based on ground-breaking research by the Royal College of Music and Imperial College London, Breathe Melodies for Mums offers a unique, supportive, and empowering approach, that puts mothers at the heart.

The first few weeks of motherhood can be an incredibly overwhelming experience. It is not uncommon for new mothers to feel anxious, stressed and unsure of what to do. While this is a totally normal reaction, it is important to know that if these feelings are ongoing, it could be a sign of postnatal depression.

Why not try our Breathe Melodies for Mums programme and experience the joy of singing together with other women and their babies? Not only will you find yourself surrounded by a supportive group of women facing similar experiences, but you will also discover new ways of expressing yourself through music, without fear of judgement.

Resource hub

The sessions really increase your energy levels and mood. There was no stigma. We were all just there singing and trying to find ourselves through the music. They reminded me that as a mum, you have to count yourself as important.
Jenny, Breathe Melodies for Mums Participant Read more

Our weekly singing sessions have been proven to energise and uplift, helping to improve your self-confidence and strengthen the bond between you and your baby, all whilst learning a new skill!

Breathe Melodies for Mums programmes run all year round, across London for new mums with babies aged 0-9 months, and online for new mums with babies aged 0-12 months.

To secure your spot, register now as spaces are limited. See our current programmes below.

Online Programme

Programme is now full and operating a waiting list

Tuesday 27th Jan to Tuesday 31st March - On Zoom

Lambeth Residents

Tuesday 27th Jan to Tuesday 31st March - Jubilee Children's Centre, SW2 2JE
Friday 30th Jan to Friday 3rd April - Liz Atkinson Children's Centre, SW9 6PH

Croydon Residents

Thursday 29th Jan to Thursday 2nd April - Samuel Coleridge Taylor Family Hub, SE25 6XX
Wednesday 28th Jan to 1st April - Woodlands Family Hub, CR2 8HD

Southwark Residents

Thursday 29th Jan to Thursday 2nd April - South Bermondsey Children and Family Centre, SE16 3PN

Tower Hamlets Residents

Monday 19th Jan to Monday 23rd March - Meath Gardens Family Hub, E2 0SN

Lewisham Residents

Summer dates coming soon!

Melodies for Dads

2026 dates coming soon!

To register interest in the programme, complete the form below.

73%

Results show participation can lead to recovery of postnatal depression in 73% mothers who take part

The sessions have supported over a thousand women to improve their wellbeing over the last three years and Breathe Melodies for Mums has achieved international recognition for its innovative approach.

Our programme has been used as a lead example of best practise in arts and health in training, book chapters, research studies, and global press coverage, including features in BBC News, The Telegraph, The Times and The Guardian.

Read more about the research behind the programme.

Interested in supporting?

Donate to keep Breathe Melodies for Mums free for mothers.

Commission Breathe Melodies for Mums in your local area.

I thought Melodies for Mums was amazing, at the end of every session I felt confident, calmer and happier. At first, I was just singing to keep up with everyone. We sounded great quickly, it helped that two of the group already had singing experience. I, on the other hand, had no experience at all, my only experience was singing hymns at school. But it didn’t matter, we all sounded great in the end, including me!
Maartje, Breathe Melodies for Mums Participant Read more

65%

After just six weeks of singing, mums had experienced a decrease of nearly 35% in their symptoms. 65% no longer had moderate-severe symptoms

Media

Watch our short film to learn more about Breathe Melodies for Mums, the ground-breaking research behind it and the impact it's had on the women who have taken part.

See our Founder and Managing Director's TEDxNHS talk on Breathe Melodies for Mums - watch to the end for a heartwarming surprise!

Presenter Smitha Mundasad joins a singing group in London that aims to tackle post-natal depression among new mums. She hears how the project, which is rooted in research, is challenging them artistically and helping to reduce symptoms.

Hear directly from women who have experienced our online Breathe Melodies for Mums programme in this short film.

Hear more about our programme from participants, our Singing Leader Rosie and our Head of Research Dr Daisy Fancourt

Mums and their babies enjoying a Breathe Melodies for Mums session. Photo: Richard Eaton

Breathe Melodies for Mums Singing Leader Rosie singing with mums. Photo: Richard Eaton

Frequently asked questions

Am I eligible to join the programme?

The programme is designed for women experiencing low mood, anxiety, stress, social isolation or symptoms of postnatal depression with babies aged 9 months or below. On registration, we’ll send you a health and wellbeing questionnaire to understand where you are at when joining, as well as any additional support required.

What format are the sessions?

The sessions take place weekly, led by an arts and health music specialist and a member of our team. They are an hour in length – 45 minutes singing with opportunities to chat and check-in throughout. All participants will receive a welcome pack in advance.

Do I need any experience of singing?

Participants are not required to have any previous singing ability. We’ll slowly introduce very simple songs and melodies with the option to try harmonies later in the programme, once you’ve built your confidence!