Breathe Melodies for Mums - Breathe
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Breathe Melodies for Mums

Our group singing programme for new mothers (and their babies) looking to boost emotional and mental wellbeing

Music Singing Mental health & wellbeing
Tell me about the Research
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 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 mothers and their babies? Not only will you find yourself surrounded by a supportive group facing similar experiences, you will also discover new ways of expressing yourself through music, without judgement.

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 self-confidence and strengthen the bond with your baby, all whilst learning a new skill!

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

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

Wandsworth Residents

Weds 14 Oct to 16 Dec 2026 Franciscan Children’s Centre, 221 Franciscan Road, Tooting, SW17 8HQ

 

Register

Lambeth Residents

Tues 13 Oct to 15 Dec 2026 Jubilee Children’s Centre, Tulse Hill, SW2 2JE

Fri 16 Oct to 18 Dec 2026 Liz Atkinson Family Hub, 9 Mostyn Rd, London SW9 6PH

Register

Croydon Residents

Tues 13 Oct to 15 Dec 2026 Woodlands Family Hub, Farnborough Ave, South Croydon, CR2 8HD

Thu 15 Oct to 17 Dec 2026 Selhurst Children’s Centre, 23 Dagnall Park, London SE25 5PL

Register

Lewisham Residents

Tues 13 Oct to 15 Dec 2026 Downham Family Hub, Shroffold Road, Bromley, BR1 5PD, UK

 

Register

Southwark Residents

Waiting list now in place.

Thu 8 Oct to 10 Dec 2026, Ellen Brown Children Centre, 145 Grange Rd, London SE1 3EU

Register

Online - nationwide

Mon 12 Oct to 14 Dec 2026

(for mums with babies aged 0-12 months at the start of the programme).

Register

Tower Hamlets Residents

Register interest for future programmes, funding dependent.

Register

Breathe Melodies for Dads

Waiting list now in place, register interest for future programmes.

Register

73%

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

Our programme has supported over a thousand mothers to improve their wellbeing and has achieved international recognition for its innovative approach.

Breathe Melodies for Mums 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: Leigha Fearon

Frequently asked questions

Breathe Melodies for Mums is designed for mothers experiencing low mood, anxiety, stress, social isolation or symptoms of postnatal depression with babies aged 9 months (12 months online) 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. 

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

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!  

Not necessarily, if your baby needs to sleep or feed during the sessions they are very welcome to.

Melodies for Mums Podcast

Listen to five of our mums (and babies) talk about their experiences with the Melodies for Mums programme and also how it has been becoming a new parent in the pandemic.

Find out more

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