Experiences of pregnant women attending a lullaby programme in Limerick, Ireland: A qualitative study

Abstract

Experiences of pregnant women attending a lullaby program in Ireland: a qualitative study Objective;The aim of the study was to explore women's experiences of learning to sing lullabies during pregnancy. Design and participants,Over 4 group sessions with musicians, six pregnant women, all expecting their first baby, learnt to sing 3 lullabies. Qualitative in depth interviews were conducted approximately three months after the birth to capture the women's experiences. Participants were recruited at antenatal classes at a metropolitan maternity hospital in Ireland. ResultsThe women enjoyed participation in the lullaby project and all felt it benefited them and their babies. Themes uncovered included: (1) beyond words: music and the articulation of deep emotion; (2) a balm for the soul: the power and pleasure of beautiful music; (3) music and the facilitation of infant development. Key conclusions and implications for practiceSinging lullabies in pregnancy had a soothing and calming effect and was a pleasant experience for participants. It was also an emotional experience and appeared to facilitate the expression of difficult emotion such as fear and anxiety. This effect is likely to have a significant and positive impact on wellbeing for pregnant women and as such warrants further exploration.

Perceptions and experiences of interventions to prevent postnatal depression. A systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis

“…Family support Practical and emotional support from the family facilitated by educating family members, through provision for fathers/partners to join the group to be supported, (Kennedy et al, 2009) and partners being encouraged to be actively involved in intervention (Teate et al, 2011) through family joining the group and participants teaching their partner or mother the song learned in the group (Carolan et al, 2012b).…”

“…Learning practical strategies, such as singing (Carolan et al, 2012b), problem solving skills, mind-body exercise (MBE) and techniques (Migl, 2009) to be applied during pregnancy or in the postpartum. These included the ability to calm the infant (Carolan et al, 2012b) and gaining information about sensitive subjects such as PND (Gao et al, 2012) and realistic information about motherhood, thus helping participants accept the reality of early motherhood (Gao et al, 2012).…”

“…These included the ability to calm the infant (Carolan et al, 2012b) and gaining information about sensitive subjects such as PND (Gao et al, 2012) and realistic information about motherhood, thus helping participants accept the reality of early motherhood (Gao et al, 2012). Yoga provided emotional preparation for birth (Doran and Hornibrook, 2013).…”

“…Reduction of stress and anxiety, and countering isolation by the provision of socialisation in a group (Carolan et al, 2012b) or via a one to one intervention (Morrell, 2002).…”

“…An unexpected emotional response, due to the application of the strategies learned in the group (singing) resulting in a 'profound' emotional response (Carolan et al, 2012b).…”