I learned of the awesome strength within women during my midwifery studies, but also saw how traditional reproductive healthcare undervalued women’s knowledge and experiences, and often left women feeling isolated and alone, suffering in silence. In 2012, I was diagnosed with endometriosis after decades of pain. In 2014 after two years of infertility I became pregnant, and after risky but necessary abdominal surgery, gave birth powerfully, in my own home. I had two miscarriages before birthing my rainbow baby in 2018, again at home. Through these experiences I’ve had profound results from the support of “a village” of wise women health practitioners – an Acupuncturist, Naturopath, Chiropractor, Yoga teacher, and Massage and Arvigo® Therapist. They shone light for me during my darkest and loneliest times, not only treating my physical body but holding space for me to pour my heart out and heal, and overcoming the stigma and shame of periods, infertility and baby loss. It is because of these beautiful souls that I was inspired to gain further qualifications in Arvigo Therapy®, Womb & Fertility Massage Therapy™, Pregnancy Massage and McLoughlin Scar Tissue Release® and create Earthshine Village to pass on the gifts my village gave to me.