birth bug FAQ

  • What is your philosophy on birth?

    I believe birth is a physiological event, not a medical emergency. My work is about helping you trust your body, reconnect with your instincts, and step into your power. Birth is yours—I'm just here to support you in it.

  • What services do you offer?

    I offer doula support, birth photography, and placenta services, plus a little shop full of herbal wellness goodies and birth plan coaching. Whether you need hands-on birth support, keepsakes from your journey, or just some nourishing plant magic, I’m here for you!

  • What areas do you serve?

    I mainly serve families in El Dorado County, but extend my support to Placer and Sacramento county of California. If you’re outside this area but feel really called to work with me, I’d love to hear from you as I also offer virtual support!

  • Do you accept insurance?

    For doula services, I currently accept Anthem BC (Medi-Cal), Partnership Health Plan of CA (Medi-Cal), Kaiser Medi-Cal, and Commercial Kaiser insurance. Otherwise, I offer to make a plan that works for you, whether that’s a payment plan or a trade/barter. I’m happy to provide invoices for you to submit to get reimbursed by your insurance later.

  • How much do your services costs?

    My doula fees range from $415-$1400—because I truly believe everyone deserves support. I offer payment plans, sliding scales, and trade/bartering options.

    There are various ways for honoring your placenta for no more than $200.

    For photography, the fees will vary depending on what you are looking for. You can find all my pricing on each page of “My Offerings”.

  • How do I book a consultation with you?

    Easy! Just reach out through my contact form by clicking the button at the bottom of this page, DM me through Instagram, or email me at tanya@birthbug.com, and we’ll chat about you and your journey ahead. I offer video or phone consultations so we can see if we’re a good fit and I can answer all your questions.

  • Do you come to my house for prenatal sessions?

    Everyone’s plan with me looks different, some may prefer virtual sessions, some may prefer to meet in a coffee shop, and others prefer in-home sessions. I typically schedule at least one session in the comfort of your home to demonstrate different comfort measures, stretching, safe exercises, and to also guide your partner with hands-on techniques— but this can be done virtually as well!

  • Do you use flash in your birth photography?

    Considering births are usually in low light, I typically adjust my camera to fit the scene without disturbing the peace of birth and to avoid distraction to the process of laboring. If needed, I will ask to adjust lighting very minimally to make sure I can capture your beautiful moments while still respecting your space.

  • How do you do placenta encapsulation?

    I first assess the placenta and the birth to ensure the safety of consumption. I clean and rinse the placenta, detach the cord for a keepsake. I then steam the placenta with ginger, lemon, and turmeric as an extra precaution. The placenta is then cut into steak-like pieces and placed into a dehydrator for about 18-20 hours. After every piece is dried completely, I grind them into a fine powder and convert it into capsules. All handled with care, respect, and safety!

the more controversial FAQ

  • What are your thoughts on unassisted/freebirth?

    I believe birth is an innate, physiological process—our bodies know what to do. I support people in making informed, empowered choices, whether that means birthing at home unassisted, with a midwife, or in a hospital. If you’re considering freebirth, I’m happy to chat about education, risk awareness, and preparation— however you feel best supported! Ultimately, how you birth is your decision, and I am here to hold space for that.

  • Do you work with unvaccinated families?

    Of course. I respect bodily autonomy and informed decision-making for every aspect of health, not just birth. I don’t require vaccines for clients, and I don’t disclose my personal health choices either—it’s all about mutual respect.

  • What do you think about hospital birth vs. home birth?

    I think both can be beautiful, and both can be traumatic—it’s all about how you’re treated and how much autonomy you have. Home birth often allows for more control, comfort, and physiological flow, while hospitals can provide medical interventions when truly needed. The key is making sure you’re educated and supported, especially in those vulnerable moments, no matter where you birth.

  • Do you support people who decline routine interventions (like ultrasounds, gestational diabetes testing, etc.)?

    Absolutely. Informed consent goes both ways—you have the right to accept or decline any procedure. My role is to support you in understanding your options so you can make decisions that align with your values and intuition for you and your family.

  • How do you feel about medicalized birth?

    I believe modern medicine has its place, but birth is not a medical event by default. Many interventions exist for provider convenience or as they are conditioned to follow, not necessity, and I encourage my clients to research, ask questions, and advocate for themselves. Birth should be led by the one birthing, not the staff who just got onto their work shift.

  • What if my doctor or midwife disagrees with my birth choices?

    Your care provider works for you, not the other way around. If they don’t respect your choices, you have the right to switch providers—even late in pregnancy. I can help you navigate these conversations, advocate for yourself, and find a provider who aligns with your wishes and values.

  • What happens if my birth doesn't go to plan?

    Birth is unpredictable. Changes happen, and in no way do they mean failure. My role is to keep you grounded, informed, and supported through the transition. I can advocate for you, help explain what’s happening, and make sure your voice is heard.

  • Do you believe birth is sacred?

    Yes 1000%. Birth is a rite of passage, a portal, and a deeply transformative experience. However, I also believe birth should be rooted in reality, not just spirituality. Every pregnancy and every birth is different, and it’s about trusting your body AND being informed.

  • Is 'breast' or 'fed' best?

    Breast milk is biologically normal, packed with nutrients, antibodies, and gut-supporting properties designed for a baby’s development— truly magical. I fully support breastfeeding and love helping parents navigate that journey—but every family’s situation is different. Some moms struggle with supply, latch issues, medical conditions, or personal circumstances that can make breastfeeding challenging.. some choose combination feeding, and some turn to formula for their own valid reasons. What’s truly best is an informed, supported parent making the right decision for their baby without guilt or shame.

general doula FAQ

  • What is a doula?

    A doula is a labor support person who has specific training and experience in providing informational, emotional, and physical support and comfort during pregnancy, labor, birth, and after birth. The word “doula” comes from ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves”, but in today’s world, there are men who serve as doulas as well.

  • What does a doula do?

    Doulas support expecting mothers during their pregnancy, offer education on childbirth, procedures, and their choices. They may assist in creating birth plans. Overall, they support a mother though pain management techniques, reassurance, and advocacy in the birth space.

    A doula isn’t limited to just helping in the birth space. They can provide education, pain management techniques, coaching, nutrition, aromatherapy, partner support, resources, and more depending on the services they provide and the training they have obtained.

  • Where does a doula work?

    Doulas can assist women with births at home, in the hospital or at a birth center.

  • Isn't a Doula and a Midwife the same thing?

    The straight answer is no. Doulas and midwives often work alongside of each other, but their roles are very different. A midwife is a medically trained care provider. A doula is a NON-medical care provider.

    Midwives can take place of an OBGYN and be the main care provider for those expecting and may help assist with giving medical advice, run medical tests, take blood pressure, check fetal heartrate, and/or assist with birthing the baby.

    Doulas may not provide medical advice, administer medicine, perform medical procedures, and/or make decisions for a mother. Doulas are there to support mothers in their journey while providing education of their options so that mothers are able to make informed decisions of their own.

  • Why should I hire a doula?

    Research shows that having a doula can lead to shorter labors, reduced need for interventions such as epidural or cesarean section, increased satisfaction with the birth experience, and improved outcomes for both mother and baby such as breastfeeding. Doulas are there to mother the mother and provide a specialized type of support to empower women in their most transformative life change.

  • How will a doula work with my partner/significant other?

    There is a common misconception that the doula replaces the partner during birth, and that is simply the opposite of what the doula does! A doula implements ways to support the partner by providing ways to support mom! But I think we all know that your partner knows you best and doulas are just there to guide them and support you alongside of them, not over them.