"Unplug to recharge": accessing respite through song in a culturally and linguistically diverse perinatal context

• Published in: Arts & health 2023-10, Vol.ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print), p.1-18
• Main Author: Mani, Charulatha
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Delivery of Health Care; Female; Humans; Maternal & child health; Parturition; perinatal; Perinatal care; Pregnancy; Qualitative Research; Queensland; refugee; Refugees; respite; Singing; wellbeing
• ISSN: 1753-3015; 1753-3023
• DOI: 10.1080/17533015.2022.2140684

This original, qualitative study examines the ways in which the concept of respite is expressed and experienced through the activity of singing in refugee mothers, new and expectant, in a perinatal healthcare setting in Logan, Queensland. Data were collected using a multi-method approach using field notes, yarning circles, and semi-structured interviews. Reflexive Thematic Analysis (TA) yielded themes influenced also by literature on singing, wellbeing, health inequities, and the conceptual lens of respite. The research found that singing afforded respite for mothers across four dimensions, allowing for safe spaces, me time, new direction, and immersion. Respite and singing are identified here as strength-based and cultural solutions to wellbeing. No negative effects were reported. The article discusses implications for socially-mediated healthcare in culturally diverse contexts. The idea of "song" enables access to a space of sanctuary wherein health inequities can be tackled in meaningful and decolonising ways.