More Than Just a Mum’s Group: The Surprising Benefits of Perinatal Singing groups

In the early stages of motherhood, many women experience a complex mix of emotions—joy, fatigue, anxiety, love, loneliness. In the midst of these changes, one simple yet powerful practice has been quietly gaining attention for its ability to support mental health, social connection, and maternal wellbeing: group singing.

Women's Singing Circle, Summer Hill, Sydney. Based on the successful model of Singing Mamas (CiC) UK who I trained with.

While singing is often seen as a hobby or performance skill, a growing body of research suggests that singing—especially in groups—can have profound psychological, social, and even physiological benefits for new mothers and their babies. Community-based women’s singing groups where mothers can bring their babies are emerging as supportive, inclusive, and healing spaces for women at all stages of motherhood.

Singing as a Natural Human Tool for Wellbeing

For thousands of years, humans have used singing not only for celebration and ritual, but also for comfort, work, and connection. In many cultures, singing is woven into daily life. Yet in modern Western societies, it has largely been reserved for those considered “talented” or “musical.”

The reality is: we are all born with the capacity to sing. And for mothers, singing can be a particularly powerful tool—both for self-regulation and bonding.

Singing Supports Mental Health in the Postnatal Period

Postnatal depression (PND) and anxiety affect many women in the months following birth. A landmark UK-based study published in The British Journal of Psychiatry found that group singing significantly accelerated recovery from moderate to severe postnatal depression compared to usual care¹. The study concluded that mothers who participated in weekly singing groups experienced a faster reduction in symptoms, and that the social and emotional aspects of group singing were key factors.

Group singing:

• Lowers levels of cortisol (stress hormone)²

• Elevates mood through endorphin release³

• Supports emotional regulation through deeper breathing patterns

• Increases oxytocin, which promotes bonding and a sense of trust⁴

  
  

These physiological effects help mothers feel more grounded, present, and supported—and it's no secret all new mothers have periods when they feel anything but that way.

Singing Enhances Bonding Between Mother and Baby

Singing has long been a natural way for mothers to communicate with their babies. Lullabies are universal for a reason—they soothe, connect, and regulate both the baby and the caregiver. Recent research in developmental psychology has shown that singing to babies not only calms them more effectively than speaking, but also strengthens the emotional bond between parent and child⁵.

In group settings, these effects can be amplified. When mothers participate in communal singing while holding or sitting with their infants:

• The mutual regulation of nervous systems is supported—babies often mirror the calm breathing and emotional tone of their mothers

• Eye contact, touch, and vocal interaction during singing enhance secure attachment⁶

• Babies are exposed to rich language, rhythm, and emotional expression, which support cognitive and social development⁷

  
  

Importantly, when mothers feel relaxed and emotionally safe in a group environment, their ability to be attuned to their babies improves. Singing together, even for an hour a week, can offer meaningful moments of shared joy and calm that support early relational development.

Women's Singing Circle is an intergenerational gathering, open to women of all life stage because it takes a village.

A New Model of Community and Connection

Unlike traditional mothers’ groups that focus on talking, comparison, or structured parenting advice, women’s singing groups that welcome babies offer something different. They are spaces for being rather than doing—where mothers can show up exactly as they are, with no expectation of performance or perfection.

Sessions usually involve:

• Gentle vocal warm-ups and breath awareness

• Easy-to-learn songs taught by ear (no sheet music)

• Harmonies and rounds that create a sense of beauty and shared purpose

• Time to connect over tea or informal conversation

  
  

The singing itself becomes the shared language—no one needs to speak much to feel connected.

Importantly, these circles are open to women of all life stages—not just those with babies. While they offer unique support for mothers in the early years, they also recognise that loneliness, disconnection, and the need for community are not limited to any one season of life. Women of all ages, from young adulthood through to post-menopause, can experience isolation. These singing spaces allow for intergenerational connection, where stories are shared through song, wisdom is passed informally, and we are reminded that it takes a village—not only to raise children, but to care for each other.

For many women, especially those feeling isolated, this sense of non-verbal connection and shared rhythm can be incredibly grounding. The act of singing together helps rebuild a sense of village—something many new mothers deeply miss.

Reclaiming Our Voices

Sadly, many adults carry the belief that they “can’t sing.” This belief is often rooted in childhood experiences of being judged or silenced. Women's singing groups actively work to challenge that narrative. There are no solos, no auditions, no pressure to perform—just encouragement to reconnect with your natural voice in a safe and supportive space.

Over time, even the most hesitant voices begin to soften and open. And when that happens, something profound occurs: women feel heard. Not just by others, but by themselves.

A Personal Note

I began Sing High Sing Low because I saw how deeply women—especially mothers—were craving real connection, expression, and support. Inspired by the Singing Mamas model in the UK and grounded in the Natural Voice approach, I now offer regular sessions in Sydney where women (with or without their little ones) can come together and sing.

My work draws on this growing body of evidence and the timeless human need to share voice and breath. Whether you’re a new mum, a seasoned parent, or simply someone looking for a deeper kind of connection, these groups offer a simple, joyful way to return to yourself—and to others.

References

1. Fancourt, D., & Perkins, R. (2018). Effect of singing interventions on symptoms of postnatal depression: Three-arm randomised controlled trial. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 212(2), 119-121. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.2017.29 ↩

2. Kreutz, G. et al. (2004). Effects of choir singing or listening on secretory immunoglobulin A, cortisol, and emotional state. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 27(6), 623–635. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-004-0006-9 ↩

3. Grape, C. et al. (2003). Does singing promote well-being? An empirical study of professional and amateur singers during a singing lesson. Integrative Physiological and Behavioral Science, 38(1), 65–74. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02734261 ↩

4. Pearce, E. et al. (2015). Singing together or apart: The effect of competitive and cooperative singing on social bonding. Psychology of Music, 44(6), 1255–1273. https://doi.org/10.1177/0305735616636208 ↩

5. Corbeil, M., Trehub, S. E., & Peretz, I. (2016). Singing Delays the Onset of Infant Distress. Infancy, 21(3), 373–391. https://peretzlab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/corbeil_m_et_al_2016.pdf

6. Trevarthen, C., & Malloch, S. (2000). The dance of wellbeing: Defining the musical therapeutic effect. Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, 9(2), 3-17. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08098130009477996

7. Gerry, D., Unrau, A., & Trainor, L. J. (2012). Active music classes in infancy enhance musical, communicative and social development. Developmental Science, 15(3), 398–407. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7687.2012.01142.x ↩