About Us

At Hold The Mother, we believe that when a baby is born, so too is a mother and she deserves to be gently held during this time of immense change. Our name reflects our purpose: to hold you, the mother, with care, reverence and steadiness through the powerful transitions of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

A Doula offers more than just support — they bring calm presence, practical care, emotional steadiness, and unwavering encouragement. Each doula on our team brings her own unique strengths and passions, offering personalised care tailored to your needs, values, and circumstances.

Whether it’s birth support, help around the home, navigating early motherhood, identifying potential challenges, or connecting you to trusted support networks, we’re here to honour your space and walk alongside you.

We take the time to understand what matters most to you. We listen, deeply, and offer gentle guidance that helps you return to your own inner intuition.

Because to hold the mother is to support the whole family.

When the Mother is nurtured, heard, and resourced, she can meet her journey into Motherhood with strength and softness. That’s what we’re here for.

The word Doula comes from the Greek word doulē, the meaning of which translates to ‘serve women’.

A Doula holds the mother.

Meet Our Team

Molly Knowles, Postpartum Doula + Founder

I’m Molly, it’s so lovely to have you here.

Hold The Mother was born in 2020 following my own experience of entering Motherhood. It was completely life altering. It shattered me into a million pieces only to be placed back together with awareness of what mothers actually need in postpartum and early motherhood. Dedicated care, a community to wrap around her as she emerges from one of the biggest physical and emotional transitions life offers.

I became totally obsessed with learning about Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum and completed my studies to become a Certified Postpartum Doula. I built Hold The Mother around nap time, a second pregnancy and postpartum, and have since supported over 50 families and built our incredible community.

I offer supportive care to families in the North East suburbs of Melbourne and Virtually. I believe I bring a calming presence into the home, and intuitively move through each season with you, while providing the practical, physical and emotional care you need to thrive.

My approach

I am deeply passionate about women's health, particularly in life after birth. I focus on the mother, celebrating her, and work to create a proactive, positive and supportive postpartum experience for her and her family. When the mother is cared for, her entire family and her community thrive.

I hold space, offer emotional and practical support both virtually and in person. My work centres around four pillars of postpartum care - Nourishment, Rest and Self Care, Recovery and Community. I adore working with mothers and their families of all kinds, to nourish and nurture - what an honour it is to be invited into such a tender time.

I support families with:

  • Postpartum Preparation: Confidence building, education on what to expect

  • 1:1 Postpartum Care: In-depth, personalised care to hold you, in your postpartum

  • Virtual Doula Support: A friendly face online to move through the seasons with you

  • Doula Mentoring: Gentle encouragement and strategy sessions for emerging or curious Doulas

  • Ceremonies: Mother Blessing and Closing Ceremonies to honour your experience

  • Events, Education and Community Building: Cultivating the village and providing accessible information and resources

My qualifications

Bachelor in Public Health and Health Promotion

Extensive experience of over 15 years in Supportive Care, the importance of proactive care models and evidence based resources and information

Certified Postpartum Doula

Completed in 2020 with Newborn Mothers, trained to provide exceptional care to families in the fourth trimester, with focus on tending to the physical and emotional needs of the Mother

Continuously updating skills in the following areas:

Postpartum Nutrition (The Postpartum Kitchen Apprenticeship, 2020), Sleep Support (Making Waves, 2025), Ceremonies and Circle Facilitation (2024) and Breastfeeding Master Class (2025)

I am continuously learning from experts in the space, to confidently share evidence based knowledge with our community.

A little more about me

While I feel this work blends into my motherhood story, when I am not supporting clients, I am adoring on my two gorgeous little babes Jude (5) and Remi (3) who keep me busy.

I love moving my body, and the calm it offers my nervous system. I love food, and the way it fuels the body, but also brings joy and connection.

My house is messy, and I am riding the wave of early parenthood with you. I am from a big family and I am surrounded by the most beautiful village of family and friends, and this is what I want to share within my work. Community is so important to me, and I am keen to be part of yours.

Molly Knowles is a certified Postpartum Doula, Circle Facilitator and Community Builder, offering essential support to families across Melbourne’s north east.

Tori Polson, Birth + Postpartum Doula

Hi, I’m Tori.

I’m a Birth and Postpartum Doula based in Eltham North, serving families across Melbourne’s north east. I offer care that is grounded, gentle, and centred around the mother, through pregnancy, birth and those early postpartum months when everything is new and tender.

 My focus is on you. Your experience. Your needs. Your story. When mothers feel supported and seen, the whole family benefits.

Whether you are preparing for birth, looking for someone to be by your side during labour or finding your rhythm with a newborn, I offer holistic and personalised support for this big, beautiful season of change.

 

My journey into this work

 When my first daughter was born in 2016, everything changed. It wasn’t just the arrival of a baby it was the beginning of a whole new version of me. That experience sparked a deep curiosity about what mothers really need as they move through pregnancy, birth and beyond.

Since then I’ve spent the past few years learning, listening and showing up for mothers in this space. I bring together my lived experience and professional training to support women with care that’s compassionate, practical and real.

My approach

I believe birth is a rite of passage and one that deserves to be met with presence, support and respect. I offer care that’s grounded, emotionally attuned and tailored to each family. There’s no one-size-fits-all here, and no expectations about how things should look.

I support families with

  • Birth preparation:  Clear, confident and individualised guidance

  • Labour and birth support:  Calm, continuous care throughout labour and birth

  • Postpartum care:  Nourishing, practical and emotional support in the early weeks and months

  • Matrescence mentoring:  Space to explore the identity shift of becoming a mother

  • Aware Parenting tools:  Gentle strategies for connection and attunement with your baby

 My qualifications

Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula

Trained to provide in-person support throughout labour, birth and the postpartum period, with a strong focus on emotional safety and personalised care

Seasons of Matrescence® Educator and Guide

Specialised training in the emotional and psychological changes of becoming a mother, including identity, values, relationships and personal growth

Aware Parenting Instructor

Certified in a respectful and connected parenting approach that supports emotional awareness, deep connection and healing for both parents and children

A little more about me

I live in Eltham North with my husband and two daughters, where life is full, messy and beautiful. I love slow mornings, spacious days and meaningful connection with other women and mothers. I believe in honest conversations, warm cups of tea and reminding each other we’re doing better than we think.

Tori Polson is a certified Birth and Postpartum Doula, Matrescence Educator and Aware Parenting Instructor, offering holistic support to families across Melbourne’s north east.

Join our Community

We believe so strongly in building a community of care for the Mother. To do this, we have a strong referral list of services near and far that offer the highest quality of care. Including IBCLCs, Osteopaths, Physiotherapists, Psychologists, Cleaners, Nutritionists, Babysitters, Acupuncturists, Mum and Bub Exercise Classes and many more. Our Clients have access to all of our contacts.

If you work in this space of Mother centered care, we would love to hear from you!