Doulas – what do you call your clients?

Some doulas don’t like the word client.

• Joni, from Mexico calls them gorditas – little round women.
• I often call them my moms.

But it sure confuses my friends when I say, “My mom is having her baby today.”

It is also confusing because I have students and clients, but they all hold the same spot in my heart.  So I am trying to find the perfect way to refer to them.

• “Pregnant mom”
• “Round woman”
• “Expecting momma”

I need ideas – what do you call your clients?