Singing could help mothers recover from post-natal depression more quickly, a study suggests.
Researchers found that women who took part in group singing sessions with their babies experienced a much faster improvement in their symptoms than those who did not.
The study, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, looked at 134 mothers with post-natal depression.
Early recovery is seen to be crucial to limit effects on mother and baby.
Post-natal depression is estimated to affect one in eight new mothers.
Previous studies have indicated singing can help improve the mental health of older people and those with dementia, but this is the first controlled study of its effect on post-natal depression.
The women were placed into three groups:
- one took part in group singing
- another took part in in creative play sessions
- a third group received their usual care, which could include family support, antidepressants or mindfulness
The singing workshops saw the mothers learning lullabies and songs from around the world with their babies and creating new songs together about motherhood.
And those with moderate to severe symptoms of post-natal depression reported a much faster improvement than mothers in the usual care and play groups.
Dr Trudi Seneviratne, who chairs the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Perinatal Faculty, said: "It's exciting to hear about the growing evidence base for novel psychosocial interventions such as singing to facilitate a more rapid recovery for women with post-natal depression.
"I look forward to more work in this area in the future, as it will be enjoyed by both mothers and their babies."
Since the study, Breathe Arts Health Research has started running singing workshops in partnership with Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust for women with post-natal depression across the south London boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark. (BBC Health)