In English
The aim of Singing with Mothers is to contribute to a better mental health and emotional well-being for pregnant women in risk of developing post-natal depression and mothers with postpartum reactions.
The intervention is informed by Breathe Melodies for Mums programme, run by Breath Arts Health Research.
Singing with Mothers is a collaboration between the Music and Arts Schools in Silkeborg, Viborg and Holstebro, along with local midwives and health nurses. This project shows promising results, with interventions now established in 10 municipalities within the Central Denmark Region.
The women meet weekly in groups of 6-10 over a course of 12 sessions, each lasting one hour. The course is led by a singing instructor qualified in using culture as health promotion. Together, they sing songs that are aimed at the participating women, and they engage in calming breathing exercises. In the intervention targeted at pregnant women they also do birth-preparing breathing exercises.
In the groups we create a safe space where mothers and pregnant women can connect with their baby and their own emotions and bodies by the act of singing.