Doulas are not meant to replace the mother's birth partner (spouse, family member or friend). A doula hopes to facilitate a greater bond between the two by helping them work together during the labor and birth. Having a doula at your birth may help the birth partner to relax and enjoy the birth of his child. A doula can offer the birth partner a break when there is a need to rest or get a bite to eat. A doula can also offer some suggestions when the birth partner is unsure of what to do and may also be able to explain what is going on with Mom emotionally and physically during labor.