Specially designed singing classes have been found to be clinically effective at treating mums with postnatal depression, a major three-year study (Bind et al, 2025) – which was reported today (15th October 2025).
The authors say they could also be cost effective for the NHS at a time when mental health services are under pressure.
At a children’s centre in a housing estate in south London a group of 12 young mums sit in a circle on the floor as their babies cry, crawl and sleep on mats in front of them.
But at this music class there are no bells or tambourines and no Wheels on the Bus or Baby Shark.
Instead, the group work through a mix of lullabies, folk and gospel, switching from Spanish to Congolese to Swahili in rounds of four-part harmonies.
The whole session, from the music selection, to the size of the group, to the set up of the room itself, has been carefully designed to treat the symptoms of postnatal depression.
“I can’t stress enough how much this was a game changer for me,” says Holly, 30, who started the course earlier this year after it was recommended by her care coordinator.
“And at the very first session here, I walked in and I was like, ‘oh, this is my safe place’. Like, I’m safe here.”
Holly is one of the 400 young mothers a year now attending specially designed singing classes across five London boroughs
Postnatal depression is a common problem, affecting more than one in 10 women within a year of giving birth, according to the NHS.
Symptoms are wide-ranging but can include persistent sadness or low mood, problems looking after yourself, insomnia and withdrawing from other people.
Melodies for Mums started in 2017 as a free weekly class in Southwark, south London, based on earlier research which suggested group singing could reduce stress and anxiety.
It’s expanded quickly and now runs face-to-face sessions for 400 women a year in five London boroughs and online classes across the UK.
