It's almost amazing what people think of. I mean do people honestly think giving birth to a child in complete silence (including the woman doing all the work) and not touching or bonding with the baby for a full day afterwards will really make the newborn a "better" person. The L. Ron Hubbard followers seem to think so.

Apparently this is something Scientologist have been practicing for years. However, it didn't receive a great deal of public scrutiny until Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, affectionately called "TomKat" decided to announce this is the method that would be utilized during the birth of their child.

According to Scientologist, the peace and quiet during birth helps the child. Labor for the child is such a traumatic experience. L. Ron Hubbard claims that the source of all problems are engrams - traces left in the "Reactive Mind" by past events, even when the subject was unconscious. Give me a break. The only "engrams" anybody will have is poor Katie. I can't imagine not being able to talk or yell during childbirth. I'm fully aware that screaming is not a good idea. This only wears mom out and slows the progression of labor. But, gosh darnit, if I want to scream...that should definitely be my perogative.

Another practice is to not allow anyone to touch the child for 24 hours after birth. Scientologist feel the birthing process is so painful for the child that touching the newborn will only increase his/her discomfort. Not bonding or touching your child or having a medical practitioner assess your newborn sounds more like neglect or child endangerment to me.

I never thought I would be able to truly say, "I've seen and heard it all". After researching this silent birth process, I can truly say, "I have".

Roschelle Nelson is the founder of Wah4life.com. She lives and works at home with her husband and two sons. Visit her website: http://www.wah4life.com and http://www.wah4life.blogspot.com