Getting to know your client will have a powerful, positive effect on her pregnancy, labour and birth outcomes. ‘Knowing’ the woman gives you an understanding of her physical, emotional, social and spiritual being. It makes the woman visible and provides balance. This is an opportunity that is unique to doulas. You represent her and her baby, you are her advocate. It is a different relationship with all other caregivers as they represent a medical/hospital/health system in which they have to follow THOSE rules.