Providing emotional and psychological support to nursing mothers through Chevron’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Abstract Chevron’s internal Employee Assistance Program and WorkLife Services (EAP/WL) group is comprised of a team of 12 advisors who provide on-site mental health and worklife support for employees, dependents, and retirees across the enterprise. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, EAP/WL implemented a virtual support group for the first time this year for nursing mothers. The program helps to meet the organizational need within the company, by providing a program that addresses the emotional needs of nursing mothers. The sessions were moderated by an internationally board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) with support from two employees: (1) a licensed mental health professional and (2) a worklife advisor. The employees were available to address any emotional and psychologically-related concerns raised by mothers during the monthly discussions. Strategies and best practices for developing a virtual support group for employees are described in this article. Sharing this program may assist other employers in implementing a similar program in support of their employees.