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Expert Potty Trainer, Registered Nurse, Maternal-Child Health Specialist, Mom of Five, Grandma To Four and The Potty Nurse aka EL Potty Nurse
For more than 20 years I have had the privilege of caring for mothers and children as a maternal-child nurse. Over time my passion for child development led me to focus on one of the most important and often most misunderstood milestones in early childhood, potty training.
Helping parents guide their children through this stage has always come naturally to me. It is where my clinical experience meets my heart as a mother. Through years of working closely with families I saw how much stress and confusion potty training can create, and I knew there had to be a more gentle and effective way. That is how The Potty Nurse was born, a place where science, compassion, and culture come together to help families succeed with confidence and peace of mind.
Parents often tell me how grateful they are that I share so much of my knowledge freely. Teaching parents has become more than my work, it is my passion, my creative outlet, and my way of giving back to the community of mothers and children who inspire me every day. I know the relief that comes when a parent finally feels confident, supported, and in control. That is why I continue to share, write, and create.
My greatest hope is to create a world where potty training is viewed as a natural developmental milestone, one that unfolds gently and becomes perfected with the parent’s love, guidance, and patience as the child grows.
I believe potty training is not a quick project, but a gradual process that takes understanding and consistency. My method builds a strong foundation so children can master the skill instead of being rushed through it. Every child is unique, and the most effective way to teach is by reinforcing what is already familiar. My approach, which I call compound teaching, focuses on weaning, training, and then teaching new steps on top of what the child has already achieved. This builds confidence and long-term success. Some need structure, some need reassurance, and all need compassion. My goal is to guide you, give you tools that work, and remind you that progress always matters more than perfection.
My teaching style is grounded in research, years of nursing experience, and the values I grew up with in my small village in Puerto Rico. Family was everything. Parents, grandparents, and neighbors all played a part in raising children, and learning basic life skills early was seen as a gift.
One of my grandmother’s favorite sayings was “A los niños se les enseña temprano,” which means “Children need to be taught early.” In our community, learning was woven into daily life, always gentle, consistent, and full of love. That philosophy continues to guide my work today. I often remind parents that when you start early, you can take your time, and finishing early often follows naturally. A gradual, child-centered approach leads to fewer struggles and more confidence for both the child and the parent.
While I am a nurse, educator, and mother, I am not a doctor. I can guide and support you with experience-based strategies and caring advice, but I cannot diagnose or treat medical conditions. If you ever feel that your child needs medical attention, please reach out to your healthcare provider.
Through El Potty, my goal is to create a space filled with encouragement, education, and tools that make potty training less overwhelming and more joyful. Whether you are just beginning or working through a challenge, you will find what you need with me to move forward with confidence.
Thank you for trusting me to be part of your parenting journey. It is an honor to walk beside you as your child grows and learns one of life’s most meaningful skills.
Warmly,
Ana Gauthier, RN, BSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM
EL Potty Nurse aka The Potty Nurse