Dos Santos, Andeline2024-07-152024-07-152024-092024-03-31*S2024http://hdl.handle.net/2263/97023Mini-dissertation (MMus (music therapy))--University of Pretoria, 2024mental health during the postpartum period is a neglected area of health care in the South African context which may significantly contribute to maternal mortality and morbidity rates in South Africa. This qualitative study aimed to explore how music therapy can offer emotional support to mothers in the postpartum phase. Four self-referred mothers participated in seven group music therapy sessions. Sources of data included four semi-structured individual interviews and ten excerpts from videos of the music therapy sessions. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts and thick descriptions was undertaken. Four themes were developed: (i) Music therapy afforded nurturing of the self; (ii) Music therapy afforded empathic connections and experiences; (iii) Music therapy stimulated inner resourcefulness; (iv) Music therapy helped to restore emotional equilibrium in the new role as a mother. Findings aligned with existing literature on music therapy with postpartum clients and may be integrated with other research efforts on how to provide a continuum of care to postpartum mothers.en-US© 2023 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.UCTDPostpartum distressMaternal mental healthEmotional supportMaternal developmental tasksBirthing experienceAdaptation to motherhoodSelf-careReceptive music therapySustainable development goals (SDGs)SDG-03: Good health and well-beingHumanities theses SDG-03SDG-05: Gender equalityHumanities theses SDG-05SDG-10: Reduced inequalitiesHumanities theses SDG-10Mini Dissertationu2106047010.25403/UPresearchdata.26296567