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

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.

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

South East London Programmes - Croydon

Register interest in our next 10-week programme for new mums with babies aged 0-9 months. Please note these programmes are open to Croydon residents only. This programme is fully funded and places are free to access.

  • Monday 27th January to Monday 31st March 2025, 10.30am to 11.30am South Norwood: Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Centre, SE25 6XX
  • Wednesday 29th January to Wednesday 2nd April, 11am to 12pm South Croydon: Woodlands Family Hub, CR2 8HD
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South East London Programmes - Southwark

Register interest in our next 10-week programme for new mums with babies aged 0-9 months. Please note these programmes are open to Southwark residents only. This programme is fully funded and places are free to access.

  • Tues 28th Jan to Tues 1st April, 11.45am to 12.45am; 1.30pm to 2.30pm Rye Oak Children and Family Centre, Whorlton Rd, London SE15 3PD
  • Thurs 30th Jan to Thurs 3rd April, 12pm to 1pm; 1.45pm to 2.45pm Ellen Brown Children and Family Centre, 145 Grange Rd, London SE1 3EU
  • Fri 31st Jan to Fri 4th April, 10.30am to 11.30am; 12.15pm to 1.15pm Dulwich Wood Children's Centre, Lyall Ave, London SE21 8QS

Online Programme

Register interest in our next 10-week online programme for new mums with babies aged 0-12 months - worldwide

  • Thurs 30th Jan to Thurs 3rd April; 10am to 11am and 11.15am to 12.15pm On Zoom

South West London Programmes - Wandsworth

We are not delivering a programme in Wandsworth in Spring 2025

Email m4m@breatheahr.org

North East London Programmes - Tower Hamlets

We are not delivering a programme in Tower Hamlets in Spring 2025

Email m4m@breatheahr.org

South East London Programmes - Lambeth

We are not delivering a programme in Lambeth in Spring 2025

Email m4m@breatheahr.org

73%

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

The sessions have supported hundreds of 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 press coverage, including features in The Telegraph, The Times and The Guardian.

Read more about the research behind the programme.

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

Frequently asked questions

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 participants are at when joining the programme, 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 teamThey are an hour in length, we’ll spend around 45 minutes singing with opportunities to chat and check-in throughout. All participants will receive a welcome pack in advance so you know what to expect.

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.

Our Partners

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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