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Moving into motherhood: investigating dance programmes for perinatal health and wellbeing across Ireland and the UK Aisling McCormick (24292274) PUREID: 661372329 perinatal dance dance and health Arts and health perinatal mental health mental health wellbeing perinatal wellbeing dance interventions Arts-based intervention Social prescribing This study explores the intersection of dance and perinatal health, offering valuable early insights into the potential for delivering dance for health and wellbeing (DHW) programmes with women in the perinatal period, addressing a significant research gap. Although the perinatal experience is positive and fulfilling for many, it may also pose substantial physiological and psychological challenges. Supporting women during the perinatal period is critical for preventing complications and fostering healthy outcomes for future generations. In considering if dance is an effective wellbeing activity, this study employs a case study design to investigate the design, approaches, and impact of perinatal DHW programmes across Ireland and the UK. Data was collected from twenty-one case studies through interviews and a mixed-methods survey. A closer investigation of three in-depth case studies collected data via workshop observations, focus groups with programme participants and interviews with facilitating artists, organisers and healthcare professionals connected to the programmes. Findings reveal that the DHW programmes supported women to develop: (i) connections with themselves – their physical bodies, their emotions and their new mother identity; (ii) connections with their babies through programmes which fostered good attachment; and (iii) connections with others through social interaction with peers. Key approaches contributing towards this positive impact include: (i) facilitating with care in a responsive way; (ii) providing safe spaces for physical and emotional expression; (iii) employing attachment-informed approaches; (iv) encouraging social interaction; and (v) ensuring psychological support is available for participants. Key considerations are outlined for future collaborations between arts and health sectors to deliver perinatal DHW programmes, such as ensuring sustainable and consistent funding structures and providing mechanisms which support the facilitating artist as they deliver the programmes. This study evidences the potential benefits for perinatal dance programmes and offers a roadmap for further research to measure and confirm impact. 2026-10-01T16:18:12Z Text Thesis 10.17034/32805119.v1 https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/Moving_into_motherhood_investigating_dance_programmes_for_perinatal_health_and_wellbeing_across_Ireland_and_the_UK/32805119 All Rights Reserved