Group singing for postpartum depression: findings from Music & Motherhood in Portugal

Background

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major public health concern affecting 1 in 7 women worldwide, with many cases undiagnosed. Accessible, non-pharmacological interventions are needed, as access to effective treatment remains limited. “Music & Motherhood” is a 10-week group singing intervention designed as a culturally sensitive approach to support maternal mental health in community settings.

Methods

A mixed-methods longitudinal pilot study evaluated the intervention in its initial implementation phase. Mothers from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, including those of migrant origin, participated in weekly guided singing sessions with their babies (n = 27 at baseline, across three groups). EPDS scores were collected at baseline, week 6, and week 10 and analysed using repeated measures ANOVA. Qualitative data were collected through focus groups and interviews with mothers, music leaders, and partner organisations.

Results

EPDS scores decreased from baseline (M = 15.8, SD = 3.72) to week 6 (M = 12.7, SD = 4.61) and week 10 (M = 8.95, SD = 5.00). A significant effect of time was observed (F(2, 38) = 34.5, p < .001, η²ₚ = 0.65), with reductions across all time points. Participants reported improved well-being, reduced isolation, and increased social support, describing sessions as a space where “we can be ourselves and leave our problems behind.” Findings indicate strong acceptability and feasibility across diverse groups, including participants from migrant backgrounds, highlighting the intervention’s potential to address equity gaps in maternal mental health.

Conclusions

Results from the initial groups suggest that “Music & Motherhood” is a promising community-based intervention for postpartum depression. Its integration into primary care and social prescribing may expand access to maternal mental health support and support scalability to other settings.

Key messages

• Group singing significantly reduces postpartum depressive symptoms and improves well-being among new mothers.

• Arts-based community interventions can be integrated into primary care and social prescribing to expand access to maternal mental health support.