NOVA NSPH coordinates in Portugal the Music & Motherhood project, an initiative promoted by the World Health Organization that aims to prevent and reduce postnatal depression in mothers experiencing different forms of vulnerability, such as migration, social isolation, single parenthood or socioeconomic disadvantage, while simultaneously promoting maternal and infant health. The project is co-funded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, under the Growing Minds initiative.
The intervention is based on weekly music and singing sessions, lasting one hour, over a period of ten weeks, in which mothers participate accompanied by their babies. The sessions are led by specialised singing leaders, with extensive experience in group work and specific training for this project, and involve learning songs and using small musical instruments in a circle setting.
In addition to the artistic intervention, the project includes a robust evaluation component, based on a mixed-methods approach. Validated scales are used, such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and a Quality of Life Scale, complemented by focus groups with participants. An economic analysis is also planned, which will make it possible to assess the cost-effectiveness of the intervention.
According to preliminary results from the project in Portugal, a significant reduction in symptoms of postnatal depression has been observed, as well as improvements in mother-infant bonding, sense of belonging, self-esteem and perceived social support among participating mothers.
Originally developed in the United Kingdom between 2015 and 2017 by the Centre for Performance Science, a partnership between the Royal College of Music and Imperial College London; the model was subsequently adapted and expanded under the name Breathe Melodies for Mums. Since then, the intervention has been implemented in other European countries, such as Denmark, Romania and Italy.
In Portugal, the project is coordinated by NOVA NSPH and co-funded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, under the Growing Minds initiative, and is currently in the process of adaptation and implementation in different community settings, with prospects for expansion to local health units.
A recent report followed one of the project’s sessions and gave voice to participating mothers and the research team, highlighting the impact of the intervention on reducing the stigma associated with mental health, creating support networks and promoting responses that are local, effective and person-centred.
Read the full report: https://gulbenkian.pt/read-watch-listen/quando-estamos-a-cantar-esquecemos-as-coisas-mas-da-nossa-vida/
Image: © Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
