Face- to-face vs. online delivery of the Lullaby Project: a therapeutic community music group for mothers of infants

The transition to motherhood is challenging and can negatively impact maternal mental health. While many interventions focus on direct parenting support, participation in community music groups may be effective in promoting maternal wellbeing and improving mother-infant relationships within community populations. This research compares in-person and videoconference delivery of the Lullaby Project, a therapeutic community music group for mothers with infants aged under three. It explores engagement, participation, and group processes, and elucidates the mechanisms of change for both modes of implementation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine mothers and seven musicians who had experienced one of three delivery methods: 1) face-to-face; 2) face-to-face and online combination; 3) online. Interviews were analysed inductively using thematic analysis and ten sub-themes were identified within three overarching themes: 1. engagement; 2. group processes and 3. change mechanisms. Mothers perceived bene