Benefits of Art-Making for New Mothers
Maternal health is a significant public health concern. One in five pregnant women and one-year postpartum women face mental health issues, according to a 2022 World Health Organization research.
Numerous government initiatives, job benefits, and other resources are available to assist moms during this time, but a recent study explored another form of support: the arts.
1. Support
The desire to connect with other mothers is often the driving force behind pregnant and new mothers participating in group creative arts activities. Engaging in artistic pursuits together tends to facilitate communication and foster a sense of togetherness between expectant and new mothers, especially when they can get together on a regular basis to exchange stories and foster a feeling of belonging.
One mother who was taking a group music lesson and suffering from postpartum depression said, "It brought everybody togetherâŠthe music thing brought everyone closer."
2. Time for "me"
For expecting and new mothers, the stresses of contemporary life, a variety of everyday obligations, and an endless to-do list can exacerbate stress. Indulging in an artistic endeavor might provide a specific setting for engaging in creativity that transcends their daily routine of chores.
In addition, the arts offer chances for self-connection, which can support mothers-to-be in exploring their evolving identities as they enter parenting. Moms can use the arts to verbally, musically, or visually communicate their experiences of becoming pregnant or assuming a new role as mothers. Additionally, they can assist expectant and new mothers in understanding perinatal social and cultural expectations regarding their identities and future selves.
Taking some time to create art after the baby is delivered can also help mothers to gain a sense of balance they need to take care of themselves.
3. Happiness and ease
It can be enjoyable and inspiring for new and expectant mothers to engage in the arts. According to research, pregnant women who took part in a community library's creative arts group program reported feeling more positive afterward. For instance, group dancing encourages playfulness, laughter, and social enjoyment. These feelings of well-being can also permeate relationships at home.
During parenthood, the arts can also provide a break from stress. Moms can "switch off" to discover peace and tranquility, put aside worries about the future, and "just be" in the now thanks to the engrossing experience of making art. For some new or expectant mothers, the arts can also assist them in using their own coping mechanisms to deal with issues or worries.
Making art for a baby before birth, such as a weaving project, can also assist expectant moms in strengthening their bond with their unborn child. "I was thinking about the baby while I was weaving because it was for the baby," one expectant mother said. Moreover, teaching a newborn a song helps promote healthy mother-child relationships, especially when the infant enjoys listening to their mother sing.
There are innumerable other ways that art can make us happy. Art in our daily life can generally promote our wellbeing and avoid or lessen the symptoms of mental and physical sickness, according to research.
Given all of the evidence, creative endeavors and community initiatives can play a significant role in promoting maternal health and wellbeing. When it comes to activities and programs, such as speech therapy, new and expectant mothers may be more open to the arts as they can be less stigmatizing.
