23/10/2025
In Basel we have Singing Mamas Basel, a similar programme. Do get in touch if you would like more details.
A group of new mums at risk of postnatal depression are helping each other – by singing...
Holly's stress and anxiety began during her pregnancy.
"Post-birth, I was actually a lot better than I thought I would be, but I did feel very vulnerable and very anxious and quite lonely," she says.
Holly joined Breathe Melodies for Mums, a singing group designed especially for mums at risk of postnatal depression.
The group is based at a children's centre in South London, where a dozen mums sit together in a circle with babies on their laps. Everything from the songs, to the layout of the room, has been designed to help alleviate stress and build a sense of community.
Holly says this makes it different from other baby classes:
"Other baby classes are great to meet mums, but it doesn't have the same sort of calming influence, especially when you've had issues of anxiety or stress," she says.
Yvonne Farkarsen, who founded the group, explains some of the thinking behind it.
"We choose a group size of about 10 to 12 women, so that creates a good sense of community," she says.
The group sings songs in multiple languages, in four-part harmonies, and the mums mostly sing in rounds to encourage eye contact between them.
"So, through singing, we're getting them to make that kind of social connection," says Yvonne.
A three-year study found that that the group helped new mums with things like low mood, stress and anxiety, and that these benefits lasted for several months after the sessions ended.
Jay, who attends the group with her son, says it really helps to be with other people you know are struggling too - even if that isn't the focus of the session.
"You're there, you're having a great time, you're singing, but you know that these people are also experiencing what you're experiencing," she says.
