Commission Singing Mamas 'on prescription'
What's the evidence?
Group singing reduces symptoms of postnatal depression faster than the usual forms of treatment. These findings are taken from a 3-arm randomised control trial published in the British Journal of Psychiatry in February 2018 (authors D. Fancourt and R. Perkins).
The study highlighted that 73% mums who took part in a 10 week programme of group singing recovered from postnatal depression, and that participating mums also reported an increase in self-esteem, confidence and bonding.
How does it work?
The Singing Mamas approach uses the NHS 5 ways to mental wellbeing framework alongside the Maternal Mental Health Alliance guidelines for peer support as benchmarks for service delivery. In essence though;
● Singing improves breathing, posture and muscle tension and contributes to mothers’ physical wellbeing
● Singing releases endorphins which deliver pain relief and improved mood
● Singing reduces stress hormone levels, benefiting the immune system
● Singing stimulates cognitive function through learning new songs
● Singing helps forge social bonds particularly quickly, improving social networks
amongst mothers’
● Singing creates a positive shared experience between mother and infant and
increases mothers’ confidence in her parenting abilities
Are you a commissioner or social prescriber?
We work with health services, trusts and foundations across the UK to offer free to access services for the women most in need. Want to make it happen in your area?
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