Chéree Thomas M.L.S., C.D.M., Co-Executive Director, MCEDSV, Michigan, U.S.

Chéree brings extensive experience in facilitation, leadership, curriculum development, fund development, and community engagement, and is trained as a racial healing practitioner and birth and postpartum doula. At the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence, Chéree has held multiple leadership roles, including Co-Executive Director, designing statewide hotlines, leading trainings, and providing technical assistance. She is a nationally recognized facilitator and advocate, and outside of work, has served as a global competition judge with Angela Davis, is a published author, and has been featured in social justice exhibits.

Session

You’re Already Supporting Survivors: Intimate Partner Violence, the Perinatal Period, and the Doula’s Role

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is more common during the perinatal period than many pregnancy-related health conditions, yet it often goes unrecognized. Doulas are uniquely positioned to provide safety, validation, and connection during one of the most vulnerable and transformative times in a person’s life. The truth is: you are already working with survivors. You just may not know it. This interactive session explores the connection between IPV and the perinatal period, including how violence impacts pregnancy, birth outcomes, postpartum recovery, and infant health. Participants will learn how to integrate universal education into their doula practice without screening, diagnosing, or “investigating”, and how to offer trauma-informed, survivor-centered support that preserves autonomy and safety.

Through real-world scenarios and practical language tools, doulas will build confidence in having supportive conversations, responding to disclosures, and making warm, effective referrals. Participants will leave with customizable universal education handouts and actionable strategies they can immediately integrate into prenatal visits, labor support, and postpartum care.