Having a silent birth is meant to be a positive experience for both the mother and the newborn. Scientology doctrine stresses the importance of refraining from spoken words as much as possible during the labor and delivery process.
L. Ron Hubbard's Scientology Silent Birth Doctrine
L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of the Church of Scientology, wrote in his book Dianetics The Modern Science of Mental Health that "Everyone must learn to say nothing within the expectant mother's hearing during labor and delivery." This principle is based on the belief that the reactive mind is always recording and those recordings will have an impact later in life on the newborns emotional and spiritual well-being.
For example, words such as "push" spoken in loud shouts to the mother or remarks spoken while laughing should be avoided. These words are thought to have negative effects on the infant later in life. The Church of Scientology believes mothers who want to give their newborns the best beginning in life should practice the method of a silent birth.
Medical Emergencies During Silent Birth Process
Scientology does not have a policy or principle against the use of medications for a specific medical problem during labor and delivery. If the mother or the baby is at risk, medications should be used. If a medical complication occurs and a Cesarean section is needed, one should be performed for the best possible outcome of the mother and the child. Scientology still stresses the importance of a silent birth during a Cesarean section.
Scientology encourages women to avoid drugs during childbirth to limit exposure of chemicals to the newborn. This includes epidurals and pain medication. However, pain medication and epidurals are not denied for a woman during a silent birth. If she feels a need to use painkillers or have an epidural, they can be administered.
Common Misconceptions Regarding Silent Birth
One of the most common misconceptions regarding the silent birth process is that a mother cannot cry out in pain during labor and delivery. While the mother is encouraged to remain as calm and quiet as possible, if she needs to moan, scream, or cry out, she is able to do this during the process. No words are the main objective during the labor and birthing process. What is spoken is what is to be avoided.
Not speaking to the newborn for seven days after the birth is not part of the Scientology principles. L. Ron Hubbard stressed the importance in his writings of communication for happiness. Being silent for a week is commonly reported in the news outlets but is not a practice of Scientology.
Scientific Findings for Silent Birth
The silent birth being more beneficial to the newborn has no scientific or medical data. The only research into the silent birth process was the opinion and literature produced by L. Ron Hubbard.
L. Ron Hubbard did not have a medical degree and never attended medical school. He had no formal training in neonatal or pediatric development. The medical field does not support the findings that a baby born in silence will develop any better than a baby born with noise in the delivery room.
Considerations
There is no negative or harmful reason not to have a silent birth, if this is what the parents wish to have. Make certain when planning a silent birth to inform everyone who will be present of the desires and the principles of the silent birth plan. If having the silent birth at a hospital or birthing center, make certain all medical personnel are informed of the silent birth process so they do not speak or interrupt the wishes of the parents.
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes made the news for the silent birth of their daughter, Suri. Currently John Travolta and Kelly Preston are planning a silent birth for their son, Benjamin.
Reference:
L. Ron Hubbard, Dianetics, The Modern Science of Mental Health, accessed November 16, 2010
Church of Scientology International: All About Silent Birth, accessed November 16, 2010
Sandra Blake - Sandra resides in Ohio. She attended the Academy of Health Sciences and Columbus State. She has years of experience in health information ...
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