Hollywood heartthrob Tom Cruise is reported to have bought his beloved an iPod to help her deal with the ordeal of a quiet childbirth.

Dawson’s Creek star, Katie Holmes, will attempt to remain silent throughout the birth of her baby, in keeping with the recommendations of the Church of Scientology to which she has converted.

Cruise is one of the religion’s most famous members and he has already persuaded his fiancee to undergo the traditional silent birth in the interests of the health of their newborn.

Scientologists believe that a baby’s mental health can be damaged if exposed to significant noise or disruption during the first weeks of its life.

Newspapers have also reported the pair receiving encouraging posters for putting up over their Beverly Hills home. These are understood to advise Holmes to stay silent and only make small, slow movements when in labour.

But it remains to be seen whether the iPod, containing 300 of Holmes’s favourite tracks, will help to minimise the pain of what will also be a drugs-free birth.

A source close to the couple told the Sun newspaper: “He wants her to listen to calming music - but to use earphones so there’s no noise in the delivery room.”

© 2006 Adfero Ltd