Dance Therapy for Infants & Parents

Dance boosts health and wellness for parents, and is an enlivening support for the continuum of their emotional, mental, social and physical wellbeing.

It is also a beneficial form of intervention for both infants and parents, experiencing postpartum depression. Looking at birth statistics, worldwide; 33% of women report being traumatised by their birth, and ⅓ of women describe their birth as traumatic. Up to 6% of these women go on to develop acute stress disorder (ASD) or post- partum traumatic stress disorder (PPTSD), and 1 in 7 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers will develop Post Natal Depression (PND).

While joy and happiness are commonly associated with having a baby, some parents experience a range of emotional and physical challenges during this period. Postnatal depression is a mental health condition that can affect both women and men after childbirth, and symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may persist for weeks or months if left untreated.

While each individual is unique in how they may experience postnatal depression, it can affect:

• Sense of self, mood, behaviour and loss of self-esteem

• Self-confidence –doubting your ability to be a good parent, good partner

• Doubting your ability to read your babies cues correctly

• Relationships- with your partner, family, friends, social groups, feeling withdrawn

• Bonding and hormonal physiology, affecting milk let down, recovery, energy levels and your ability to cope.

Dance therapy offers a unique way to engage with the body, emotions, and social interaction, which can support bonding, communication, and emotional well-being. It can support:

1. Infant-parent bonding: Dance therapy can promote a strong bond between the parent and the infant through physical touch, movement, and synchronized interactions. By engaging in gentle and expressive movements together, parents and infants can build a sense of connection and trust.

2. Non-verbal communication: Infants often communicate non-verbally through movements and expressions. Dance therapy provides a platform for parents to learn and understand their baby's cues and respond accordingly. This enhances the parent's ability to attune to their child's needs and strengthens their relationship.

3. Emotional expression and regulation: Postpartum depression can affect a parent's ability to regulate emotions and experience joy. Dance therapy can serve as an outlet for emotional expression, allowing parents to release stress, sadness, or anxiety through movement. Engaging in joyful and expressive movement can also help rekindle positive emotions.

4. Sensory stimulation: Infants thrive on sensory stimulation, and dance therapy can provide a rich sensory experience through movement, music, and touch. This can support the development of the baby's motor skills, body awareness, and cognitive abilities.

5. Social support: Participating in dance therapy sessions with other parents and infants can create a supportive community. Sharing experiences, challenges, and successes with others facing similar situations can help alleviate feelings of isolation and provide a sense of belonging.

Recognizing Postnatal or Postpartum depression can be challenging due to several factors. Firstly, the postpartum period is characterized by a rollercoaster of emotions, hormonal changes, and sleep deprivation, making it difficult to differentiate between normal baby blues and PPD symptoms.

Another reason why it can be challenging to spot is the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in relation to motherhood. Many women fear judgment, shame, or being perceived as inadequate mothers if they admit to struggling emotionally. Consequently, they may hide their symptoms or downplay their severity, making it harder for healthcare professionals, family, and friends to identify the issue.

It is important to get in touch with your primary healthcare provider for support if you think you may have postpartum depression, or get in touch with support services such as PANDA National Helpline (Monday to Saturday) 1300 726 306

Whether it be taking a community parent and baby dance class, or exploring movement in a private dance therapy setting, engaging in rhythmic movements and music can help release endorphins, reduce stress, and improve mood. A creative outlet for emotional expression, which enables you to connect with your body, release tension, and experience joy, makes dance an ideal therapeutic support for your self care and wellbeing as a parent.