Real Questions/Real Answers

1. What is a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)?

Great question. A Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) is someone who’s trained to care for healthy, low-risk pregnancies, usually outside the hospital, like at home.

Quick comparison:

CPM → home birth, low-risk, holistic care

CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife) → nurse + midwife, works in hospitals or out of hospital, can prescribe meds

OB/GYN → medical doctor, focuses on high-risk pregnancies, mostly in hospitals

All three are important—just for different situations.

2. Do you deliver babies in the hospital?

No.

Sweet Water Midwifery Services does not deliver babies in hospital births.

Sweet Water Midwifery Services offers home birth care only. If plans change and hospital care is needed, we help support you through that.

3. What does “low risk” actually mean?

Low risk means things are likely to go smoothly, but it doesn’t mean nothing can ever happen. If something comes up, we make sure you get the right care and support right away.

Safety is always the priority.

4. What is considered high risk?

Some health conditions mean a hospital birth is the safest option. These can include things like:

• Heart conditions

• Diabetes that needs medication

• Seizure disorders

• Serious mental health concerns

• Blood clotting or bleeding disorders

• Chronic high blood pressure

• Kidney disease

• Certain baby health concerns

• Starting prenatal care late

…and more.

If you’re unsure where you fall, we’ll talk it through together—judgment-free.

5. If I’m high risk, can I still work with Sweet Water Midwifery?

Yes.

If you need hospital care, we offer collaborative care. That means we can support you alongside your OB/GYN during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum—so you still feel held and supported.

6. Do you take insurance or Medicaid?

We don’t accept insurance or Medicaid, but we do offer lots of flexible options, like:

• FSA / HSA

• Payment plans (CareCredit, Cherry, PayPal)

• Trading goods or services (like produce, meat, or helpful skills)

We’ll help you find something that works for you.

7. What if there’s an emergency?

It’s okay to worry about this—it’s a common question.

Your midwife is trained in:

• Birth emergencies

• CPR

• Newborn resuscitation

We carry emergency supplies like oxygen, IV fluids, and medication for heavy bleeding. If hospital care is needed, we help get you there and stay supportive through the transition.

You’re never on your own.

8. What services do you offer?

You can check out the full list on our Services page.

9. How does payment work?

• To save your spot, we ask for a non-refundable deposit.

• Full payment is due by 36 weeks.

• Payment plans are available.

• Paying a little at each prenatal visit usually works best.

If a hospital transfer happens, payments aren’t refunded unless we’ve agreed on that in writing.

If there’s a miscarriage or stillbirth, partial refunds are available—and we still show up for you postpartum.

10. What if I live outside Kentucky or outside your local area?

Right now, Midwife Ifaseun is licensed in Kentucky.

If you’re in another state or outside the local area, you can still work with Sweet Water Midwifery Services, travel fees may apply.

We’re working toward serving more states in the future—check the Investment page for details.

11. Is Sweet Water Midwifery right for me?

Sweet Water Midwifery might be a good fit if you:

• Want to be involved in your healthcare decisions.

• Are open to caring for your body through movement, food, and rest.

• Like learning and asking questions.

• Want support that feels personal, not rushed.

• Are you willing to stay low risk and prioritize your health.

Home birth isn’t for everyone—and that’s totally okay. Whether your birth happens at home or in the hospital, we believe in informed choice, respect, and support every step of the way.

If you’re looking for care that feels warm, empowering, and human, you’re in the right place.

Want more information? Click here.