Scottsdale Tribune, November 29th, 1999, pages D1 and D3
More and more couples in the Valley are relying on the experience and physical and emotional
support of a doula during the birthing process.
Often certified as childbirth educators, doulas also specialize in massage therapy, acupuncture,
yoga, herbology and aromatherapy.
"I used to feel so tired," said Beth Viquesney, a 25-year-old chemist, who continued working
until days before she gave birth. "But just knowing that she was coming once a week made
it bearable."
Francine Eastwood, a licensed massage therapist, certified doula and certified childbirth
educator, visited Beth and Mark Viquesney at their Tempe home every other week starting at
about five weeks into Beth's pregnancy. At the five-month mark, they requested that she visit
every week.
"It was the first child they were having and they had no idea what to expect," Eastwood said.
After the weekly massage, Eastwood also provided them with childbirth classes. Eastwood, who
has been helping couples for about 2 and a half years, has assisted in nearly 30 births.
"I'm not that private of a person," Beth said. "I've had Francine in the house since the
beginning. So having her here (in the delivery room) just makes sense."
Helping Hand
Despite Eastwood's role in helping the expectant mother, she insists that her role is only to
act as backup to the main coach- the father.
"He's the primary coach," Eastwood said. "I'm a massage therapist. I get the ice. I get
the water. Then, if need be, I jump in...I've had fathers fall asleep or flake out, then I
take charge."
Mark Viquesney, 32, who is a technical writer and Rio Salado College professor, said he is
more private than his wife, but he was open to the idea of a doula because, "I know it will make
the labor a lot better." People seek the help of doulas for various reasons. One woman who
gave birth with Eastwood's help said she didn't want her husband in the delivery room because
her religion- Orthodox Judaism- doesn't allow the father to touch her during childbirth.
Eastwood said most of the breathing techniques, relaxation and positions she assists with during
the pregnancy are things that the couples learn in Lamaze class.
"There's really no substitute for experience," said Natasha Samia, nurse at Tempe St. Luke's
hospital.
The concept of doulas originated years ago, but most people have never heard of them- until
lately, Valley nurses said.
"They may have been around for years and years, but I don't think the concept is out there
or well-publicized," said Betty Hart, also a nurse at Tempe St. Luke's Hospital. "I've seen
three or four (in the 27 years she has worked obstetrics.) I would hope to see more."
Eastwood carries a cellular phone with her and said she's canceled camping trips and dates
to baseball games and puts her life on hold when one of her clients goes into labor.
The lights in the delivery room at St. Lukes' Hospital were dimmed.
As Beth's contractions drew closer together, the mood in the room changed. Beth questioned
her choice to have a natural birth without the aid of medication. For Mark, the hours without
sleep and the stress of seeing his wife in pain took a toll.
But Eastwood remained unwavering. Her love for the job seemed to grow with every hour in
the delivery room.
"I don't know the pain, but I can imagine it," said Eastwood, who has no children of her own.
"I understand without having felt it myself."
The contractions started again.
That's good. Push with it," Mark said, as he sat on the bed behind Beth, rubbing her back
and stomach.
"There you go, that was perfect," Eastwood said at the end of a contraction. She sat on a low
stool at the end of the bed, facing Beth and Mark. "Everything's going wonderful. I've never
seen a mom this awesome."
Eastwood got Beth ice and applied cold wet towels to the back of her neck. She massaged her
hands and feet as painful tingling turned into numbness. She stretched out Beth's legs when
they cramped. She massaged her back when the pushing of the baby's head caused her to writhe
in agony.
Her body shook.
Then the pain passed- temporarily.
"I love you," Mark whispered to his wife between contractions.
"I love you, too," she said.
Eastwood didn't say much while the soon-to-be-father took control of the scene, telling his
wife how to breath, rubbing her and reassuring her that here was an end in sight.
"Bethy, everything is exactly how it's supposed to be," Eastwood said. "In fact, Mark is
better than he's supposed to be."
Beth dozed between contractions.
"They all try, but not everyone has the ability," Eastwood said, referring to the fathers.
"Some people aren't designed to do this for 14 hours. The biggest thing is when (Beth) said
'shut up', (Mark) did. When she said 'stop', he did."
Finally, after all the pain, the hours of pushing then waiting, massaging and walking, the
endurance test was over and the couple had a daughter.
"Thank God it's over," Mark said after Hannah Elizabeth Viquesney had been checked by the
doctors and was napping in her mother's arms.
"It's not over. It's just begun," Eastwood said.
Tribune writer Tamara Leitner can be reached by e-mail at tleitner@aztrib.com or by
calling (480) 970-2337.
