Photo by Leigha Fearon, courtesy of Breathe Arts Health Research
Postpartum depression leaves many mothers feeling isolated and hopeless at a time they’re “supposed” to feel joy. But new research reveals transformative success utilizing a tool both ancient and beautifully simple: singing together. We dive into the science and real-world impact of a ground-breaking program changing maternal mental health care, offering a cost-effective, community-based solution at a time when mental health services are stretched thin.
Guest
My guest today is Yvonne Farquharson, Founder and Managing Director of Breathe Arts Health Research. Yvonne is a multi-award-winning social entrepreneur who specializes in developing creative, research-led programs to improve healthcare and transform lives. She has gained international recognition for her work in the arts and health, and social enterprise sector, and is an in-demand speaker and consultant globally, most recently training the World Health Organization. Yvonne has co-authored papers published in peer-reviewed medical journals and regularly contributes to book chapters and other publications.
Notes
We discuss:
- Postnatal, or postpartum, depression affects more than 1 in 10 mothers
- What postnatal depression can look like: persistent low mood, isolation, insomnia, and difficulty caring for oneself
- An inside look at Melodies for Mums: a 10-week, group singing program designed specifically for mothers (no musical experience required)
- What a typical session feels like – and why the focus is on the mother, not the baby
- How singing together builds connection, reduces isolation, and creates a safe, supportive environment without requiring participants to talk about depression
- The science behind the program: research showing singing accelerates recovery compared to non-musical social activities
- Powerful results: significant symptom reduction in as little as 6 weeks, with long-lasting benefits months later
- The fascinating link between music, bonding, and biology – including synchronized cortisol levels in mothers and babies
- How programs like this can complement traditional mental health treatments in a cost-effective, accessible way
- Where the program is currently available and how it’s expanding globally – including efforts to bring it to more communities
- How listeners can find or advocate for similar programs in their own area
- A moving story highlighting the real-life impact of singing for recovery
Connect/Other Resources
- Breathe Arts Health Research website: www.breatheahr.org
- Breathe Melodies for Mums
- Breathe Melodies for Dads
- Follow @BreatheAHR on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn
- Read more about the research behind the programme
- Melodies for Mums Podcast
- Yvonne’s TEDx Talk
- Breathe Melodies for Mums Overview Film
Other episodes we mentioned or that you may enjoy:
- Ep. 228: Your Daily Dose of Art – The Science of Living Longer and Better; with Daisy Fancourt, PhD
- Ep. 137: What makes a lullaby a lullaby, and what difference does it make? with Laurel Trainor, PhD
- Ep. 151: What are the benefits of singing for our health and wellbeing? with Dr. Diana Allan
- Ep. 208: Choral Communities of Joy – Music, Belonging, and Living Well with Dementia; with Eyleen Braaten
- View all episodes related to Science & Health
In-Episode Promo
BRAIN.FM If you’ve ever struggled with sleep, focus, or even just winding down at the end of the day, you’ll want to check out Brain.fm. Their tagline is “Music Powered by Science” – and that’s not just marketing. Brain.fm uses scientifically designed functional music that’s engineered to influence brain activity for focus, relaxation, and sleep – helping you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and boost productivity when you’re awake.
Unlike Spotify or YouTube focus playlists or white noise, Brain.fm’s music is backed by patented audio technology that increases blood flow to brain regions associated with focus and flow state. There’s even a specialized feature to support focus for people with ADHD in a nonpharmacological way.
Personally, I’ve been using Brain.fm for over a year and absolutely love it! I listen to it it every night while I unwind before bed, and it makes a huge difference in getting into a relaxed mode where I’m perfectly prepped to ease into sleep. Focus is less of a challenge for me, but whenever I find myself in the middle of noise I can’t control, I just pop in earbuds, turn on Brain.fm’s focus music, and let the magic happen.
Learn more at Brain.fm or in Episode 203. And try Brain.fm for yourself with a FREE 30-day trial by going to brain.fm/enhance (no credit card required). Links are in the show notes.
Coda
Yvonne participated in a Melodies for Mums group after her daughter was born a couple of years ago. She describes her personal experience and why it’s so important to sing for yourself, not just for your child.
Closing Words
Thank you so much to Yvonne for sharing this powerful way that music is making lives better for so many moms and babies, and also dads and other family members! And speaking of Moms, just a PSA reminder that Mother’s Day is coming up in just a few weeks. Sharing this conversation with new moms in your world can be a wonderful gift – whether for them directly or for new moms in THEIR orbit who may find a real lifeline in this program.
If you have not already signed up for my Soundbites email newsletter, just a heads up that the next issue will include a chance to win a free brand new book (releasing soon and featured in an upcoming episode). The free book offer will only be available to Soundbites subscribers so be sure to sign up with the link in the show notes! This is an occasional newsletter – no more than once a month. So you will NOT be inundated with emails when you sign up for this (and of course you can unsubscribe at any time).
You can always connect with me on email (mindy@mpetersonmusic.com), Facebook, Instagram, X, or LinkedIn; and by signing up for my monthly e-Newsletter.
Thank you so much for joining me today. Until next time, may your life be enhanced with music.
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