This single‐subject pilot study explores physiological, psychological, and occupational changes perceived and measured in a professional classical soprano over the first year following childbirth. While prior studies have documented speaking‐voice adaptations (La & Sundberg 2012; La & Davidson 2005) and acoustic/aerodynamic changes up to 12 weeks postpartum (Dickson 2014; Pitman Will 2013), none have extended through the full twelve‐month period—despite most singers’ return to professional engagement occurring within this timeframe.

Methods:
A professional soprano was enrolled within two weeks of delivery and assessed at 2, 6, 12, 24, and 52 weeks postpartum. At each session, acoustic parameters (fundamental-frequency range, jitter, shimmer, sound-pressure level) and aerodynamic measures (phonation-threshold pressure, maximum phonation time) were recorded using standardized vocal tasks. Concurrent data collection included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, daily sleep logs, breastfeeding and menstrual-cycle diaries, and structured qualitative reflections on vocal ease, mental state, and physical recovery.

Preliminary Results (weeks 2–24):
Acoustic adaptations: At 2 weeks postpartum, comfortable F₀ range decreased by 12%, and jitter increased by 20% relative to pre‐pregnancy baselines; shimmer deviation remained within 5%. By 12 weeks, F₀ range and jitter recovered to within 5% of baseline values.
Psychophysiological correlations: Higher stress scores (r = 0.78 with jitter) and reduced nightly sleep (<6 hours; r = 0.72 with threshold pressure) were associated with acoustic instability. The resumption of menses at 16 weeks and initiation of weaning at 20 weeks produced no abrupt acoustic shifts; however, subjective vocal comfort improved following sustained sleep restoration and reduced daytime caregiving demands.
Qualitative insights: The participant reported moderate vocal fatigue through week 6, transitioning to “steady ease” by week 24, coinciding with hormonal stabilization, restored sleep, and reduced stress.

Conclusions:
Early postpartum vocal instability appears driven by sleep deprivation and stress, with progressive return to pre‐pregnancy function by six months as hormonal cycles, sleep patterns, and caregiving routines stabilize. Ongoing data collection through 52 weeks will elucidate the full trajectory of voice recovery, refine correlations with hormonal markers, and inform evidence‐based strategies for vocal practitioners, clinicians, and singers planning a healthy return to performance.