Midwives College of Utah - Kristi Ridd-Young

I began my education at Brigham Young University in Maternal and Child Health and obtained a BS in Public Health Administration from Madison University. As a certified doula, (DONA), a DONA-approved trainer, and an International Childbirth Certified Educator, I have been teaching childbirth education classes and doula trainings for 24 years and have attended over 350 births either as a midwife or doula. The

Nurturing Place

seemed an appropriate name for my business which has educated over 500 couples and 300 doulas since its inception. I have been teaching at the Midwives College of Utah since 2004 and have been the president of MCU since 2007.

Even though my husband and I have only been married since 2000, collectively we have 13 children. You can ask me sometime if I am a grand multip. I am a proud grandmother of five grandchildren whose births I attended (one by phone as I was racing to the birth). I spend any spare time I might find traveling many miles on a Harley, reading, practicing yoga, and distributing my own line of natural body care products. My Belly Bliss line was developed especially with midwives and moms in mind.

I am passionate about birth and the future of midwifery. It is my firm conviction that every woman should be able to birth with whomever and wherever she chooses while being fully supported in a protective cocoon of love, honor, and respect. I treasure my relationship with MCU students. It is amazing to watch the growth that occurs as you become midwives of technical expertise, professional excellence and personal greatness. Aspire to make changes with diplomacy, respect and tolerance of other’s beliefs.