Silent Birth

QUESTION: What is the Scientology silent birth practice?

ANSWER:

The Scientologists silent birth practice is unique. They believe that for the benefit of the mother and the child, the birth process should be completely silent. They believe any spoken words could be recorded in the “reactive mind”-- the part of the mind which works on a totally stimulus-response basis, and could have a negative impact on both the mother and baby. Scientologists believe it is traumatic for babies to hear their mother cry, so they insist on a silent birth.

The mother is allowed to make noise, but the key to a “silent birth” is no words. The mother may moan or scream if necessary, but shouts of encouragement and unnecessary chatter is discouraged. The objective is to have as relaxing an environment possible for both mother and baby. Pain medication may also be used, if needed during the silent birth practice.

Most people outside of Scientology consider the silent birth practice unnecessary, just like many of the other practices of Scientology.