Meet Emma Potts: A Jesus Loving Postpartum Doula Serving Families near Sherburne County, MN
At Kingdom Beginnings Birth Services, we are so blessed to introduce you to Emma Potts, a gentle and experienced Christian postpartum doula serving families in Sherburne County, Minnesota, and the surrounding Minnesota communities. Emma carries a heart of service and a calming presence into every home she has the privilege to work in. Her care is grounded in her faith and her deep desire to nurture families as they adjust to life with a new baby. With compassion, patience, and prayerful guidance, Emma helps create an atmosphere of peace and confidence during the tender postpartum season.
What drew you to postpartum doula work?
I started out with birth work and really saw the need for support afterward as well. True, no biased support, not only for the baby like sometimes well-meaning visitors will offer, but also for the mother. Having someone to care for the mother and make sure all of her needs are met while healing and adjusting is something every family deserves. I strive to be a support for the whole family in the sacred postpartum season.
What does a “typical day” look like when you’re supporting a new family?
A typical daytime shift includes making sure feeding is going well for baby, whether that be breastfeeding, pumping, bottle feeding, or a combination of it all. Once everyone is all settled in, starting some laundry, changing bedding, prepping snacks and anything to set the energy of the home into one that facilitates bonding and comfort without any worries or stressors. I am also happy to support in sibling care, pet care, or any errands. My goal is to help you feel rested and bonded with baby and, truthfully, your whole family. Taking away some of the daily responsibilities can lighten your load and help you really lean into the magic of the fourth trimester.
How do you balance supporting both the baby and the parents?
I balance supporting baby and parents by making sure everyone has their basic needs covered first, feeding, clean clothes, etc. Once mom and dad are all settled, I offer to take the baby so they can rest. If mom and dad prefer to have baby with them, I will complete other tasks to facilitate healing and bonding.
What’s one tip you love sharing with moms or dads in the early weeks that seems attainable?
This really is just a season! Don’t be afraid to reach out for help - it is our job after all. It truly takes a village - lean into that and enjoy!
How do you help with breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or feeding multiples?
I have specialized breastfeeding training through Modern Doula Education, in addition to years of experience helping families and feeding my own four children. I can help set up multiples for easy feeding on the breast or with bottles, as well as singletons. I can help facilitate proper bottle feeding to reduce gas and discomfort, and also help troubleshoot latch issues. In special cases that need more support, I refer out to an IBCLC. Feeding is such a special time to care for your newborn, and truly a time to slow down and connect. I’m here to help you enjoy that.
What’s your favorite part of helping a mom feel cared for after birth?
I love getting mom set up with fresh sheets while she feeds baby and bringing her in a nourishing snack I prepare afterward. Really helping her feel like a priority in the simplest of ways. Moms miss out on that aspect of things too often when they get home from the hospital. I also love to listen to what you’re going through and help provide solutions when I can. It’s a lot to process, having a new baby and each baby is so different. I’m here to help navigate it all.
How do you approach the emotional side of postpartum recovery?
I think it’s important we recognize and honor our emotions in the postpartum season. I am here to listen, in fact, that’s a huge part of my job! I have seen a lot and sometimes hearing that you are not alone and it is normal is the reassurance a mom needs. I am also trained to recognize postpartum mood disorders and can help guide you to more support as needed.
How do you see faith shaping your role as a postpartum doula?
My faith shapes my practice as a doula in so many ways. Through prayerful living, I have been brought into God’s path for me as a doula. God has shaped my life and personal experiences of pregnancy and birth hardships to be able to better serve other families. I come into my work with each family with a heart posture of serving with compassion, just as Jesus did and calls us all to. Galatians 5:13 says “Serve one another humbly in love”
What’s one way you help partners or siblings adjust to life with a new baby, offering a whole family approach?
Offering a whole family approach is a passion of mine. One of the easiest ways to do this is to involve the other littles. To teach and show them how to honor their mother during this time and help with baby in an age-appropriate way. I also love to get on the floor and play with the siblings, involve them in baking a special treat or preparing a bottle. I love to help connect the whole family to the new addition.
How does support with multiples look different?
Support with multiples doesn’t leave as much time for some of the fun extras and usually consists of more baby centered care, washing bottles, prep for the next feeding ect. For my multiples families, they tend to book longer shifts with more hours.
Approximately how many families of multiples have you supported, not counting your own personal experience when you had twins 3 years ago?
I have supported somewhere in the range of 35 families total postpartum, with 12 of them being families with multiples. I love to support all types of families!
Would you like to work with Emma?
If you’re looking for a Christian postpartum doula in or around Sherburne County, MN, Emma would love the opportunity to support you and your family with prayer, encouragement, and evidence-based care, whether welcoming a singleton or multiples!
Email: kingdombeginningsbirth@gmail.com
Call/Text: 763-600-3255
At Kingdom Beginnings Birth Services, we serve families across Minnesota, including Apple Valley, Becker, Blaine, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Buffalo, Burnsville, Cambridge, Chanhassen, Chaska, Coon Rapids, Cottage Grove, Eden Prairie, Edina, Elk River, Fairbault, Isanti, Lakeville, Maple Grove, Maplewood, Milaca, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Monticello, Northfield, Norwood Young America, Oakdale, Owatonna, Plymouth, Princeton, Ramsey, Richfield, Savage, Shakopee, St Paul, Stillwater, West St Paul, White Bear Lake, Woodbury, Zimmerman, and many surrounding Minnesota communities. We would be blessed with the opportunity to serve your family through this sacred season.
We believe every family deserves Christ-centered, compassionate care through pregnancy, birth, and beyond.
