Scientology Silent Birth
Here’s a good interview with Rev. John Carmichael of the Church of Scientology of New York. It was published in Beliefnet.
| Scientology Silent Birth: ‘It’s A Natural Thing’ The Rev. John Carmichael of the Church of Scientology explains why his religion frowns on talking during labor and delivery. |
|
 |
|
| Interview by Alice Chasan |
Since actor Tom Cruise, a Scientologist, announced that he and actress Katie Holmes would follow the Scientology practice of "silent birth" when their baby was born, there has been widespread speculation about what’s behind this idea and what it involves. On April 18, 2006–the day Cruise and Holmes’ baby, Suri, was born–the Rev. John Carmichael, president of the Church of Scientology in New York, spoke with Beliefnet senior editor Alice Chasan to explain Scientology’s views on childbirth, the parent-child relationship, and child development.
What is "silent birth"?
Silent birth is having a quiet or gentle birth, and it’s all about providing the best environment for the birthing mother and her new baby. It’s labor and delivery done in a calm and loving environment with no spoken words by everyone present as much as possible. Obviously, there will be times that that’s not completely practical, but that’s the intention and the general plan. Chatty doctors and nurses’ shouts to “Push! Push!” and loud and laughing remarks, even if they’re meant as “encouragement,” those are things we’re trying to avoid.
Why do Scientologists practice silent birth?
It’s based on L. Ron Hubbard’s research into the mind and spirit. He found that words spoken during pain and unconsciousness can have effects on an individual later in life. It’s called the reactive mind. Anyone can read about this in the book Dianetics The Modern Science of Mental Health, but mothers who are familiar with this and have seen the effects more generally, naturally want to give their baby the best possible start in life, so they want to keep birth as quiet as possible.
How are medical emergencies handled when the parents opt for silent birth?
Scientology has no policy at all against the use of medicines that have a purpose for a specific situation, if it’s a medical problem, its up to the doctor and the patient so that means that if a C-section is necessary, then a C-section it is. If the mother desires painkillers, then she can opt for an epidural or whatever. >> more
