Ashley’s Patient Journey: Navigating Loss, Pregnancy, and Postpartum with FamilyWell

Ashley and her family at the tree where they lovingly placed some of Charlie’s ashes.

When a patient shares their story, it offers a glimpse into the heart of what FamilyWell is all about: walking alongside families through their hardest moments and helping them find hope again.

We’re honored to share Ashley Gillette’s journey through an interview, shared below. After experiencing the devastating loss of her son Charlie James to stillbirth, Ashley turned to FamilyWell for support. Through grief, a new pregnancy, postpartum challenges, and the joys and fears of motherhood, Ashley found care that met her exactly where she was.

Her story is one of resilience, healing, and the power of compassionate mental health care.

In her own words, Ashley reflects on her journey and how FamilyWell supported her through loss, pregnancy, and postpartum.

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Q: How did you find FamilyWell and how long have you been working with them?

A: I found FamilyWell in October 2023, right after losing my son Charlie James to stillbirth. My OB-GYN, Dr. Melissa Sherman from Essex County OB, recommended them when I was struggling hard. Anxiety and depression were taking over, making it tough to handle daily tasks or even be in public without worrying about what others thought. I was so nervous to reach out, scared to talk about Charlie and unsure what kind of help I’d get.

But Dr. Sherman’s suggestion gave me a glimmer of hope, and I’m so glad I followed through. I’ve been working with FamilyWell for almost two years now, through the raw grief, a new pregnancy, and welcoming my daughter Isabella. They’ve been there every step of the way, helping me find my way forward.

Q: You’ve been on a long and winding journey since working with FamilyWell. Tell us about how they supported you through your pregnancy loss?

A: Losing Charlie broke my heart in ways I can’t fully describe, but FamilyWell became my safe place to start healing. I started talking with my life coach every week, which gave me a space to let out the grief and loneliness that felt so heavy. Their messaging portal was a lifesaver too. I could reach out any time, day or night, like when I saw a pregnant mom at my daughter’s dance class and felt like I was falling apart. I messaged them in a panic, and they responded so fast, helping me breathe through the anxiety and reminding me my feelings were normal. They taught me ways to cope, like focusing on one day at a time and using simple mindfulness tricks to calm my mind.

FamilyWell really got me. They adjusted their approach as my needs changed, never pushing me into things like group therapy when I wasn’t ready, though they kept offering it along with other resources.

For Charlie’s first anniversary, my coach suggested doing something to honor him in a loving way. As a family, we got a birthday cake, shared memories, and made it a moment of connection instead of just pain. That idea came from them, and it meant so much. My providers have also helped me deal with tough family situations, teaching me to set boundaries with relatives who weren’t supportive and focus on the ones who lifted me up.

They also helped me navigate communication husband; my coaches gave us tools to talk openly about our feelings, which brought us closer and helped us heal together. They even guided me in explaining Charlie’s loss to our four-year-old daughter, Emma in a way that felt gentle and honest, which has been so important for her. From navigating work to rebuilding my emotional strength, FamilyWell’s care felt like it was made just for me.

Q: You got pregnant some time after your loss. How did FamilyWell help you manage the duality of emotions that came with that experience?

A: Getting pregnant again was a mix of joy and terror. I was so scared of losing another baby that I couldn’t fully embrace the excitement. Even after our daughter Isabella was born, it took me a couple of weeks to bond with her, as my heart was still holding space for Charlie. FamilyWell was my rock through it all. Before I even got pregnant, they helped me prepare emotionally, giving me tools to manage the anxiety of trying again. During my pregnancy, I could count on their consistent support—weekly coaching, check-ins, and an abundance of encouragement. They celebrated the happy moments with me but never brushed off my fears, which helped me feel understood.

Going back to Dr. Sherman, who delivered Charlie, for prenatal visits was really hard. FamilyWell gave me practical tools, like visualization and affirmations, to get through those appointments without being overwhelmed by memories. They helped me navigate the mix of hope and dread, encouraging me to find small joys, like feeling Isabella move, without feeling guilty about Charlie. My coach’s support made me believe I could be a mom again, and I’m so grateful for how they held my hand through every step of that emotional rollercoaster.

Q: Can you share what postpartum care with FamilyWell has been like for you, and how it shows up in your daily life?

A: FamilyWell’s postpartum care has been a blessing as I navigate life with Isabella, who’s now seven months old and thriving after a tough start. She was born premature and spent three weeks in the NICU with some health challenges, which brought back so many fears. FamilyWell’s team, including my weekly perinatal behavioral health coaching sessions and sessions with a psychiatrist for medication management, has been incredible. They’ve worked with me to adjust medications for anxiety, depression, and sleep, finding what helps me feel steady. They also share simple self-care ideas, like quick breathing exercises I can do during Isabella’s naps or ways to carve out a moment for myself on a busy day.

In my daily life, their support feels like a warm hug. Weekly check-ins are like catching up with a friend who really gets it, and I can message them through their portal when I’m struggling, like when I was gripped by worry that something bad would happen to Isabella or my older daughter, Emma. They helped me move past that constant fear, which was so heavy at first, especially after Isabella’s NICU stay.

Honestly, their care has been so much better than I expected. I’ve had mental health support before, but nothing like this—FamilyWell’s warmth and consistency make me feel truly cared for, and it’s helped me find joy in this new chapter with my girls.

Q: What stands out most to you about working with FamilyWell?

A: The people at FamilyWell are what make them so special. They’re genuine, kind, and so caring—my rocks through everything. My first coach, Jenny, changed my life when I was at my lowest, giving me hope when I couldn’t see it. Now, Sasha has been such a gift, always there with wisdom and warmth. They don’t just give advice; they listen, adapt, and make me feel like I’m not alone. Whether it’s a late-night message or a thoughtful idea like celebrating Charlie’s memory with a cake, their care feels so personal.

I’d tell anyone going through pregnancy loss to reach out to FamilyWell because of their heart. They’ve given me tools to heal, connect with my husband and daughter, and set boundaries with people who bring me down. They’re not just professionals, they feel like family who truly care. If you’re scared to take that first step like I was, I promise FamilyWell will meet you where you are and help you find your way to hope again.

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A message to Ashley and her family from FamilyWell: Thank you for trusting us with your story and for letting us walk alongside you through grief, healing, and new motherhood. Your courage and openness remind us why we do this work. We are so honored to be part of your journey—and to celebrate the joy and resilience you carry forward with Charlie, Isabella, Emma, and Mike in your heart.

Note: This article was published September 27th, 2025, in honor of the second anniversary of Charlie’s passing.