Effect of singing interventions on symptoms of postnatal depression: three-arm randomised controlled trial

This study shows how group singing “with the baby” could accelerate recovery from moderate or serious postnatal depression which it is estimated affects 1 out of every 8 women. A sample of 134 mothers with symptoms of postnatal depression, allocated to three study groups, was engaged in choral singing to reduce symptoms in the first 40 weeks post-birth. One group received the usual treatment, another participated in a 10 week workshop of group play, the pilot sample was involved in a 10 week workshop of group singing (learning songs with their babies, creating melodies together). The study confirmed that postnatal depression improves over time and it provides elements for a better understanding of how to accelerate recovery by using simple psychosocial interventions like group singing.