Meet Crystal Strawn APRN, MSN, CNM
Certified Nurse Midwife

Crystal's passion for midwifery began in nursing school and inspired her to pursue nursing with a focus on women and children's health. After graduating from University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Crystal began working as a registered nurse at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Labor and Delivery where she received certification in high risk in-patient care (RNC) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). She cared for low and high risk obstetrics patients during their labor and birth, facilitated as Charge Nurse, cared for antepartum and postpartum patients, served as a preceptor to many new nurses and students.With her advanced skills in labor and delivery and her passion for birth, Crystal decided to pursue her dream of being a certified nurse-midwife. She obtained her Master's in Nursing from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

nurse-midwifery program in 2021. During her three year program her clinical experience included a intensive hands-on training with advanced midwives where she learned the art of water birth and a focus on non-interventions in the absence of complications. Crystal is passionate about helping women feel empowered and have the best birth experience possible.Crystal joined the team at Birth & Wellness Center of Arlington in May 2021, first as a student midwife and now as one of their Certified Nurse Midwives! Here Crystal provides out-of-hospital services and is a strong advocate for those desiring a natural approach to labor and birth. She believes that being a healthcare provider for women and families means that their choices are heard and supported. As a CNM, she offers women the natural and safe delivery of babies in their home, or in a birth center, where it can unfold in an unhurried, peaceful, and loving manner.Crystal's other passion is her family. She’s married to her high school sweetheart and together they have 3 kids, Genevieve (12), Paityn (10), and Nolan (7). In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, crafting, puzzles, playing board games, reading, and traveling.

Services

Sanctuary Midwifery provides client-centered midwifery care throughout DFW. We envision a model of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care that empowers birthing people and their community through safe and compassionate evidence-based services. At Sanctuary Midwifery, we support the physical, emotional, and social well-being of our clients and their care team.Every appointment at Sanctuary Midwifery is 45 - 60 minutes to ensure we're offering you meaningful and personalized care. You are welcome to bring your partner, children, and any other support people with you to your visit.
We offer flexible clinic hours, including evening appointments.We offer the usual screening tests for pregnancy, including screenings for genetic anomalies, anemia, gestational diabetes, group B strep, and more. We refer to an outside provider for ultrasounds.MIDWIFERY CARE
Prenatal Care
Labor & Delivery
Newborn Care (up to 28 days old)
Postpartum Care

GYNECOLOGY
Contraceptive Counseling
Pre-conception Counseling
Well-Woman Visits

Common Questions about Our Services

WHAT IS A CERTIFIED NURSE MIDWIFE (CNM)?
Midwifery as practiced by Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) encompasses a full range of primary health care services for women from adolescence beyond menopause. These services include the independent provision of primary care, gynecologic and family planning services, preconception care, care during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, care of the normal newborn during the first 28 days of life, and treatment of male partners for sexually transmitted infections.WHAT DO NURSE MIDWIVES DO?
Midwives provide initial and ongoing comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and treatment. They conduct physical examinations; prescribe medications including controlled substances and contraceptive methods; admit, manage and discharge patients; order and interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests and order the use of medical devices.WHAT IS MIDWIFERY CARE?
Midwifery care includes health promotion, disease prevention, and individualized wellness education and counseling. These services are provided in partnership with women and families in diverse settings such as ambulatory care clinics, private offices, community and public health systems, homes, hospitals and birth centers.WHAT EDUCATION DOES A NURSE MIDWIFE HAVE?
Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) are educated in two disciplines: midwifery and nursing. They earn graduate degrees, complete a midwifery education program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME), and pass a national certification examination administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) to receive the professional designation of CNM. CNMs must demonstrate that they meet the Core Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) upon completion of their midwifery education programs and must practice in accordance with ACNM Standards for the Practice of Midwifery.DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
As of right now I am out of network with insurance. If you have out-of-network benefits, insurance can be used for your care. But sometimes the self-pay cash price is less expensive than using insurance. I also accept healthshare programs. In order to bill insurance a verification of benefits must be run through my biller at STM Billing.DO YOU OFFER DISCOUNTS FOR SELF-PAY?
Yes! I offer monthly payment plans and am able to offer extended payment plans up to 6 weeks postpartum. I also offer a 20% discount for my services that are paid in full upfront.DO I STILL NEED TO SEE MY DOCTOR?
No! I am a recognized healthcare provider that takes low-risk women. In order to transfer care book an appointment with me and get a copy of your medical records to bring with you to your first appointment.DO YOU OFFER HOME BIRTH?
Yes! Midwifery care is individualized and no matter what location you choose, you will receive the same personalized care. Home birth is just as safe, if not safer, than delivering in the hospital.WHAT IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY?
I have been trained to manage most common complications, but in the event it becomes unmanageable you will be transferred to the hospital immediately. The Birth Center is conveniently located across the street from Texas Health Arlington Memorial. In a home birth situation we will go to the nearest hospital.WHAT ABOUT LABS AND ULTRASOUNDS?
I draw all of my own labs and send them to Quest Labs. At the Birth & Wellness Center of Arlington we have a sonographer that comes every other week to do ultrasounds for our clients. My collaborating physician is a Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor and he also does ultrasounds as well as consults for me. Labs and ultrasounds can be billed to your insurance.DO YOU OFFER VBAC?
I do offer VBACs after a free consultation to determine if it is a safe option for you to consider.DO YOU TAKE LATE TRANSFERS?
Late transfers are taken on a case-by-case basis. I will take transfers up to 34 weeks of pregnancy for someone who has been getting regular prenatal care, is low-risk, and able to obtain medical records. I do require childbirth education for late transfers unless client has had a previous unmedicated out-of-hospital delivery.DO YOU OFFER WATERBIRTH?
Absolutely! There are so many benefits of water during labor and delivery. The majority of my births take place in the water. Whether you are planning a birth center birth or a home birth, waterbirth is an option for you.CAN MY PARTNER CATCH MY BABY?
Absolutely! Not only is it encouraged, but it also helps with the bonding experience of the entire new family. Everyone feels involved and it creates a sense of pride and appreciation for human life.

Schedule A Consultation

Births and client appointments are conducted at our birth center in Arlington, Texas.If you would like to schedule a free consultation please call us or fill out the form below and include how far along you are or your estimated due date, if known.Birth and Wellness Center of Arlington
1001 W. Randol Mill Rd
Arlington, TX 76012Hours
By AppointmentPhone
(972) 863-1421

DFW Child - Mom Approved

As soon as my husband and I walked into the birthing center I knew it was where we were meant to be. Crystal was so genuine and kind to us as first time parents. She answered all of our questions and encouraged more! I Immediately felt at peace with her after searching for a provider and being anxious at every other appointment. I had my dream birth under her care and always look back to my birthing experience with gratitude and happiness. Thank you Crystal ❤️ —Ann, Arlington

From the moment I met Crystal, she made me feel comfortable and cared for. She has a natural nurturing energy, and is extremely knowledgeable in her area of expertise. During my most vulnerable moment, she was there to calm me and walk me through labor. I truly believe that my birthing experience was so successful because of Crystal. —Jenna, Addison

• DFW Child - Reader's Comments

The Birth Center

THE BIRTHING SUITESBoth of our beautiful, unique birth center suites are large enough to offer you plenty of space to move around freely during labor. They each have Queen size beds, which provide you room to do spinning babies techniques in labor and family bonding cuddled up in bed after your baby has arrived. Each bed is artfully appointed with great attention to detail to ensure your comfort and rest before and after your delivery.Both birthing suites are equipped with state of the art emergency medication and equipment. All of which is readily available yet discreetly stored to maintain the comfortable home-like atmosphere.Our beautifully lit and peaceful deck, which separates the birth center suites from the rest of the building for optimal privacy, provides your friends and family with a comfortable place to wait for your precious arrival. Behind the birth center we have a lot of land which is the perfect spot for our birthing clients to walk outdoors in labor.

EXAM / APPOINTMENT ROOMSOur large clinic rooms provide maximum space for the whole family to attend prenatal appointments, emphasizing our family-centered care. They are furnished with comfortable seating for our unhurried appointments as well as toys and books to entertain the big brothers and sisters. The largest clinic room converts to a fully functioning third birth room in case the need ever arose for us to utilize a third birth room.Our chiropractors have a beautiful exam room setup for their top of the line technology, tools and equipment.Our massage therapist has her own room with total blackout curtains, a blue tooth speaker, diffusers and an exceptionally peaceful ambiance, in a separate part of the building, away from the other exam rooms and offices to offer complete serenity.

Birth & Wellness Center of Arlington
1001 Randol Mill Road
Arlington, TX 76012Hours
By AppointmentPhone
(972) 863-1421