Empowering new mothers through song in Denmark

In Denmark, the power of music is changing lives. Since its launch in 2021, the Music and Motherhood project - an initiative to support mothers with postpartum depression (PPD) - has provided a safe, nurturing environment for women to connect, express their emotions and regain their sense of well-being through song.

This innovative programme, run by WHO/Europe and implemented by the Central Denmark Region, harnesses the therapeutic potential of music. Over 10 weeks, groups of mothers attend weekly 1-hour singing sessions that are specifically designed for them. They offer more than just melody - they foster empowerment, community and healing.

Songs of solidarity

PPD affects around 11-17% of postpartum women globally, yet many struggle to find effective ways to cope. The Music and Motherhood project taps into a growing body of evidence that shows how the arts, particularly music, can play a pivotal role in improving mental health.

In 2019 WHO/Europe released the report "What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being?", which emphasized the transformative impact of the arts on health outcomes.

Inspired by its findings, the Central Denmark Region approached WHO/Europe to collaborate on the Music and Motherhood project. Together with 2 other partners - the Cluj Culture Centre (Romania) and the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (Italy) - they implemented a localized version of the Music and Motherhood protocol.

Louise Frøkjær Carstens, Project Lead at Den Kreative Skole in Silkeborg, shares the philosophy behind the initiative: "We wanted to create a space where mothers could not only sing but also connect with their emotions in a meaningful way. Singing helps them to breathe, express and, most importantly, feel empowered again."

One participant shared her experience: "I discovered that singing could put me at ease in a way I hadn't felt before."

Participants sing songs that resonate with their journey through motherhood - songs that speak to the joys and challenges of raising a child. But it's not just about singing; the sessions include breathing exercises that help participants connect with their bodies and emotions.

"By the sixth week, we start to see changes," said Louise. "The women open up, they laugh more, and they begin to express optimism about the future."

A national effort with global support

The project's success can be credited largely to the partnerships facilitated by WHO/Europe. By backing the initiative with its reputation and research, WHO helped secure funding and cooperation with local health departments and cultural institutions.

"The involvement of WHO gave the project the credibility it needed to expand," explains Mikkel Ottow, a cultural consultant with the Central Denmark Region. "Suddenly, local authorities and health departments were more open to supporting our cause."

The impact has been encouraging. Not only has the programme gained national attention, but it is also set to expand to 11 more municipalities in Central Denmark, ensuring that even more mothers can benefit from this therapeutic intervention. The expansion is funded by local music and art schools, showcasing a strong commitment to sustaining the programme.

Collaboration at its best

An important aspect of Music and Motherhood is the collaboration between health professionals and cultural institutions. Community nurses play a key role in referring mothers to the programme, says Louise. "They helped us reach the right participants, and their trust in the programme encouraged mothers to join."

This referral system is one of the most important enablers of the intervention, as cultural institutions often lack direct access to target groups dealing with health challenges. The involvement of health-care professionals also builds trust among participants, many of whom may feel hesitant about engaging in a non-clinical intervention.

As Louise notes, "We've learned that for many mothers, it's important that this initiative comes with the backing of both the health-care and cultural sectors."

Changing lives, one song at a time

The real success of the project is reflected in the lives it changes. One mother, after completing the 10-week programme, shared how it has made a difference: "I feel like I've found my voice again, both literally and figuratively. Singing with other mothers who understand what I'm going through made me feel less alone."

As the project continues to grow, its impact is being understood more widely in Denmark. Mothers continue to meet after the programme ends, forming support networks that last well beyond the 10 weeks.

The future of Music and Motherhood looks bright, with ongoing collaboration between Denmark, WHO/Europe and other international partners ensuring its development based on the latest research. With plans to expand the programme and continued interest from health professionals and cultural institutions, Denmark is leading the way in integrating the arts into public health interventions.

As Louise says, "Music is more than just a tool for expression - it's a pathway to healing."

The story of this programme is a testament to the power of cross-sectoral collaboration, the importance of evidence-based interventions and, above all, the transformative potential of the arts in promoting well-being.

Two years into implementing the "European regional action framework for behavioural and cultural insights for equitable health 2022-2027", Member States increasingly recognize the importance of behaviours in health and aspire to use evidence-based, participatory approaches to gain better insights into these behaviours. Nevertheless, many Member States still underutilize the field, partly due to limited investment. Important barriers persist, including gaps in skills, knowledge translation, strategy development and capacity. At the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, a progress report on the regional action framework will be presented to Member States. --------------- The WHO Music and Motherhood protocol is based on research from the Centre for Performance Science and informed by the Breathe Melodies for Mums delivery model run by Breathe Arts Health Research. The Music and Motherhood implementation study was made possible by funding from the Nordic Culture Fund and the Jameel Arts & Health Lab.

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