What is Silent Birth?

Question: What is Silent Birth?

Answer: Silent birth is a belief in Scientology that no one should speak to the mother during birth. According to founder, L. Ron Hubbard, "Everyone must learn to say nothing within the expectant mother’s hearing during labor and delivery. Particularly during birth, absolute silence must be maintained and the more gentle the delivery, the better."

However, it is not true that the mother must be silent during birth. She is allowed to make noise, moan - do whatever she needs to feel comfortable, without the use of words. The goal here is to reduce extraneous talking and noise in the room, the coached pushing and the talk that may not be related to the birth. Though this would also include encouraging words from your support team. The labor support should be conveyed in non-verbal ways like massage, gestures, and touch.

Scientology believes that words uttered in these special times are the cause of later nightmares, fear and upset.

Silent birth does not say how a birth should proceed. It does not preclude an epidural, c-section or other medical management, though many choose to give birth in other settings such as home or birth centers births.

Famous Silent Birth Couples:
Kelly Travolta & John Travolta; Katie Holmes & Tom Cruise

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_{What is silent birth? Scientology Newsroom. Last accessed 11/17/10.}