From Birth Trauma to Breakthrough: Garrett’s Powerful Story of Resilience

Chelsea Myers
Jul 22
3 min read

The Realities of Motherhood

Motherhood is more than just sleepless nights and first smiles—it's a deeply personal experience filled with highs, lows, and everything in between. For Garrett Wood, her motherhood journey became the catalyst for powerful change, both personally and professionally.

From navigating infertility and enduring a traumatic birth to founding KozeKoze, a company transforming postpartum care, Garrett’s story is a reminder that mothers deserve more—more care, more support, and more honesty.

Facing the Challenges of Infertility and Medical Gaslighting

Garrett’s path to parenthood began with excitement but quickly became fraught with obstacles. Despite conceiving her first child with relative ease, she later faced secondary infertility that left her searching for answers and support. Through years of medical appointments, IVF treatments, and frustrating “unexplained” diagnoses, Garrett encountered a familiar problem: medical gaslighting.

“Medical gaslighting is a real issue that many women face,” Garrett shared. “We’re often told to wait, to calm down, or that it’s all in our heads.”

Her experience underscores the urgent need for self-advocacy in maternal and reproductive healthcare, especially for those struggling to be heard.

Close-up of a person in a white coat holding a red stethoscope, arms crossed. Simple gray background. Suggests professionalism. — A medical professional in a white coat stands with a stethoscope, evoking the impact of medical gaslighting on patient trust.

Birth Trauma: When Things Don’t Go As Planned

Garrett’s traumatic four-day labor included multiple failed interventions, a dangerously high fever, and an epidural that didn’t work. “It felt like I was being stitched up without anesthetic,” she recalls. After the birth, the emotional weight hit her hard.

“I looked at my husband and said, ‘I’m so sad. I wanted more kids.’ Because I didn’t think I could survive that again.”

This emotional and physical trauma contributed to postpartum anxiety, baby blues, and a deep sense of disempowerment. Her story reflects a larger issue: how birth trauma is often normalized or dismissed, leaving many mothers to silently suffer.

Learn more about birth trauma and maternal mental health from Postpartum Support International.

The Importance of a Village: Why Support Systems Matter

In the absence of nearby family and in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Garrett leaned heavily on her husband and a few key supporters. One particularly moving gesture came from her stepmother, who flew in at seven weeks postpartum to help when "everyone else had forgotten."

“It takes a village to support a mom,” Garrett says. “Not just to raise a child—but to keep a mother mentally and emotionally afloat.”

Strong postpartum support systems can make all the difference in a mother’s recovery and mental well-being.

Adult and baby hands clasping gently on a white, fluffy background. The image is in black and white, conveying tenderness. — The strength of community really shows in the way different generations support each other, highlighting that it truly takes a village to care for both mom and baby.

Turning Pain into Purpose: The Birth of KozeKoze

Frustrated by the lack of practical postpartum hygiene products—especially during her time of intense leaking, sweating, and physical discomfort—Garrett decided to take action. Enter KozeKoze: a company focused on real-world postpartum solutions.

Her signature innovation? A disposable, absorbent bra, lovingly dubbed the “nipple diaper.”

“I just kept thinking, I need a diaper for my boobs.”

From eco-friendly nipple balm with a ceramic applicator to sustainable packaging, every KozeKoze product is designed with comfort, dignity, and maternal wellness in mind.

Explore the full line of products at KozeKoze.com.

Healing Through Community and Advocacy

Garrett's healing didn’t happen overnight. She found release in unexpected places—including a cold plunge retreat, which triggered a powerful somatic release of her birth trauma.

She’s since committed to sharing her journey on TikTok (@kozekozemama) and continuing to advocate for mothers navigating similar experiences.

“Birth can be beautiful—but it starts with us believing it can be. And we need the right support in place to make that possible.”

Newborn baby cradled between a woman's legs in a dimly lit setting. Baby's eyes closed, appearing peaceful. Water glistens on skin. — A newborn is chilling peacefully on their mom, capturing the calm and beauty of birth when both parents feel supported.

Final Thoughts: Changing the Narrative Around Motherhood

Garrett’s story is a testament to the resilience of mothers and the power of community, advocacy, and innovation. She’s proof that even in the face of birth trauma, infertility, and postpartum struggles, it’s possible to reclaim your power and change the system—for yourself and others.

Let’s continue to normalize these conversations and fight for a world where all birthing people feel supported, seen, and celebrated.