Welcome, Mama
Life is magical and unpredictable, filled with both great joy and great suffering, which unfolds against the rich tapestry of the human experience. My name is Ashleigh-Blaise Mills, and I am a devoted Christian, mother, and writer. My journey, alongside my husband, has been shaped by profound loss, faith, and resilience.
In the space of a few short years, I have faced pregnancy loss, the premature birth of my son Archie at twenty-four weeks, the pain of being separated from him due to the pandemic, and my father's battle with terminal cancer. In the midst of this tangled web of grief, writing has became a solace, a way to process grief and to find meaning.
With a background in law and bioethics, I bring a unique perspective on life’s fragility and power, and I try to shed light on the shared humanity which connects us all. Through my writing, I share my story, with the raw vulnerability of a grieving mother, to offer hope and encouragement to others facing into seemingly insurmountable circumstances and personal tragedy. If you have faced loss or searched for meaning in suffering, I hope my words remind you that you are not alone, and that we can always choose to find the light.
A Powerful Upcoming Memoir By
Ashleigh-Blaise Mills
This raw and deeply personal memoir is centred around the premature birth of Archie at twenty-four weeks, which thrusts mother and son into a world of uncertainty, where each day is a fight for survival.
In these letters Ashleigh starts writing to her son Archie, revealing a labyrinth of suppressed memories and unresolved trauma. Her words take readers through the overwhelming shock of a sudden separation from her son due to the pandemic, which deepens her isolation. Alongside this, Ashleigh reflects on her early marriage, pregnancy loss and a cancer diagnosis —all of which shape her fight for hope in the midst of despair.
This memoir is a courageous exploration of grief, resilience, and the power of faith. Ashleigh and Archie’s story is at once heartbreaking and inspiring, offering an honest portrayal of a struggle to make sense of life’s greatest challenges while seeking light during the darkest nights of the soul.
Testimonials
"Dear Baby Archie" transformed my outlook on navigating life's obstacles. Ashleigh's words remind us that with the love and support of our family and those around us, we always have the power to choose how we handle tough times. This book tells a true story that any mother or woman can relate to, illustrating how, in moments of darkness, we can turn to our faith for light.
Liz (Mama of 2, secondary infertility)
There are few people who can articulate the pain that comes with the loss of a child. In channeling her heartbreak into these pages, Ashleigh has managed to do this, while interweaving a message of hope throughout. Beautifully and vulnerably written, Dear Baby Archie will touch the heart of the reader and offer a message of hope and comfort to those suffering from the loss of a child.
Elizabeth (Mama of 5, stillbirth)
Ashleigh's story is incredible. Love, life, loss and everything in between. She is a brilliant writer and I was hooked the minute I started reading her story. A mother's love is endless, and Ashleigh has endured it all and survived. I recommend this book to anyone who has suffered a loss of any kind, but specifically the loss of a child. Ashleigh's words are full of wisdom and strength, and her son Archie's life and spirit, lives on through her and their story.
Elizabeth (Mama of 2, stillbirth, miscarriage)
Dear Baby Archie is a story that will take you through all the emotions from the peaks of joy to the valley of sorrow. Dear Baby Archie is also a family story, a story of connections. A faith, hope and love story. It's often a hidden story, but one that needs to be told.
Pam (Mama of 4)
This book helped me to process the loss of my own premature baby, almost thirty years ago. Everyone is given trials in life, and Dear Baby Archie shows how suffering can be an opportunity for personal growth and faith. Even though it is a sad story, Ashleigh's words are also inspiring and helpful, and it has been a great relief to hear someone put into words the struggles of child loss which are relatable to so many.
Melanie (Mama of 5, child loss)
Dear Baby Archie is the achingly beautiful account of the short life of an adored infant son. Through letters to Archie, his devoted mother Ashleigh Mills relates the joy, anguish and hope of her dream of "one live child with me here on earth". A profoundly moving inspiration.
Margaret Cunneen SC
Upcoming Events
Join our community of mothers, including mothers-in-waiting and loss mamas. We are here to support each other and to find the light in the darkest moments of the journey. Register your interest for any upcoming events.
