Silent Birth

The Sounds of Birth

In some cultures, silent birth is an ancient tradition. In Northeast Thailand, Hmong women go through labor without uttering a sound. But in the U.S., it's common for women to yell, scream, and insult the father by yelling "I can't believe I let you do this to me!"

With nurses and family members encouraging the mother to "Breathe!" and "Push!", medical machines clicking or beeping, and a TV in the background, an American birth can be pretty noisy. Most of us don't think about that very much. We're too focused on the excitement of bringing a new baby into the world to notice the decibel level.

Defining a Silent Birth

Silent birth is a term used in Scientology. Scientology was started by science fiction writer L.Ron Hubbard around 1950, and the first official Church of Scientology was founded in 1954. Scientology is based on Hubbard's observations about the human mind.

According to the Scientology-sponsored web site SilentBirth.org, a "silent birth" doesn't have to be truly silent. The idea is that "labor and delivery [are] done in a calm and loving environment." Scientologists believe that talking and even laughing can be harmful to the baby.

If a birth is difficult and the woman feels the need to moan or make other noise, she is not forbidden to do so. Similarly, instructions from the doctor and necessary conversation about medical issues are allowed.

Why Silence?

What's wrong with making noise during birth? L.Ron Hubbard believed that people are influenced by early experiences, even though we don't consciously remember those experiences. A traumatic birth—and that includes a noisy one—can lead to psychological problems in adulthood.

Hubbard's writings describe something called the "reactive mind." He said that the human brain records everything that happens, whether we consciously realize it or not. Later on, similar sounds or images can trigger feelings related to the original event. Conversations during birth stick in the baby's mind, attached to feelings perhaps of confusion, discomfort, or pain. Later on, as the child begins to grow and learn, words like "Push!" or even "You can do it!" can bring on similar feelings. Instead of providing happy encouragement to a child who is, say, learning to play a sport or ride a bike, these words could actually have the reverse effect.

The Seven Days of Silence

Some people think that Scientology prescribes silence even after the birth, for as long as seven days. There's a rumor that parents aren't supposed to speak to or even touch the child. According to the Church of Scientology, this just isn't true. Scientology teaches parents to provide a clear message of love and affection to the child, right from the start.

What Tom Cruise Says

In an ABC News interview before his daughter was born, celebrity actor and Scientologist Tom Cruise explained his own expectations for his fiance's silent birth.

Rumors that Katie would have to be entirely silent were not true, Cruise said. She would be able to respond to pain vocally if she felt the need. Others would be asked to refrain from talking, as much as possible. He emphasized the idea of a peaceful birth without unnecessary noise. He denied rumors that Katie would not be allowed to have medication or painkillers.

According to ABC, Tom said "She does what she's gotta do, OK? …We're there you know, with doctors," he said. "Whatever the woman wants. I'm not gonna tell Kate …you know, if she needs an epidural, she's gonna get her epidural."

For More Information

• You'll find an extensive interview with Rev. John Carmichael of the Church of Scientology at BeliefNet.

• The Church of Scientology maintains a website at Scientology.com and a special site about silent birth at SilentBirth.org.

• Here's a personal story of silent birth, from a practicing Scientologist with several kids: My Scientology Silent Birth Experience.