If you've been thinking about sharing your view on breastfeeding, not only is this exciting but it's necessary and helpful.
- You love to write
- You feel you can contribute to the overall feel of this blog.
- You've been thinking of something that rarely is discussed, and are itching to get it out but don't want to start your own blog.
- You have your own site and are interested in guest posting to expand your audience.
What to submit:
Although there are a few posts on here regarding a 'hands-on' approach to infant feeding, the LjB does not necessarily focus on the clinical or practical aspects of breastfeeding -- how to latch a baby, the mechanics, etc., but takes pride in raising awareness through thought-provoking, and critically engaging ideas with this topic at the center. We welcome submissions that encourage readers to explore new possibilities with different perspectives, which often happens through what many believe to be 'non-traditional' and 'non-conventional' viewpoints.
Experience:
Experience is great, of course! However, different levels of input that allows readers to engage others with various levels of expertise, is invaluable! Maybe you've nursed one, two or five children, or maybe you have kids and didn't nurse any. Maybe you can share the perspective of this blog's creator and have none but recognize the importance of breastfeeding and want to share that. Whether your viewpoint is from 20 years of exposure to breastfeeding or 20 hours, be willing share. Also, be willing to even discuss what you don't know. It allows others to experience the way you see things -- through your lens. Share your perspective!
Experience:
Experience is great, of course! However, different levels of input that allows readers to engage others with various levels of expertise, is invaluable! Maybe you've nursed one, two or five children, or maybe you have kids and didn't nurse any. Maybe you can share the perspective of this blog's creator and have none but recognize the importance of breastfeeding and want to share that. Whether your viewpoint is from 20 years of exposure to breastfeeding or 20 hours, be willing share. Also, be willing to even discuss what you don't know. It allows others to experience the way you see things -- through your lens. Share your perspective!
Years of experience in an area also comes with phrases many people don't understand. Maybe you have a MA, BA, PhD, MD, IBCLC or any other letter of the alphabet behind your name -- please stay away from being too 'wordy' and overusing jargon and phrases only those in your social circle will understand. Use accessible language. If you really can't get out of esotericism, go into detail in a sentence or two.
Topics:
Here are some things you may find interesting. These are not suggestions, but a way to get you thinking about a topic, but of course you can submit what you want.
- Breastfeeding and race/racism/white supremacy
- Breastfeeding and sexual/gender identity
- I don't really know much about breastfeeding
- Disease and breastmilk
- I thought about breatfeeding while I was walking down the street
- Co-nursing with a partner
- I breastfed one of my children but not the other
- Body image, Women Of Color and nursing
- Politically charged issues about breastfeeding
- Historical aspects of breastfeeding from a WOC, LGBTQ, single mother, etc. perspective
Please include a title with your submission. Also know when it is published, it will appear behind the words "Guest Post". Here is an example.
Length:
Length isn’t a factor. Your post should be as long as you need it to be in order to convey your message. Stick with your own style and voice, and choose a length that works for you. Just know if it's really long and appears as if it will take the entire front page of this site, I will insert a page break that displays 'Read more' like the one here.
Editing:
Your post will be edited, if necessary. Don't be offended by this, since it is mostly for spelling, grammar and incomplete sentences, for example. Do not worry about your content being drastically changed. This will never happen for fear of compromising your voice and the way you convey your message. If necessary your post may be returned for you to polish it up.
Comments:
Disqus is the application used here, and you can sign up for an account, and will be notified when someone has posted a comment to your post. Keep in mind that it is your job to moderate these as you see fit. To date, I have never deleted a comment, regardless of how controversial (or ignan't), since I believe all points of view have some value and can add to the way we view a topic and each other.
Comments:
Disqus is the application used here, and you can sign up for an account, and will be notified when someone has posted a comment to your post. Keep in mind that it is your job to moderate these as you see fit. To date, I have never deleted a comment, regardless of how controversial (or ignan't), since I believe all points of view have some value and can add to the way we view a topic and each other.
Byline/Bio:
Please send in relevant info in order to highlight who you are and what you do. Include a few sentences and up to two links to your blog or website. It is OK to include an RSS feed. This will appear at the bottom of your post.
Finally, BE YOURSELF! Maybe this reads a bit dramatic, but it cannot be emphasized enough! Often times posts on this blog come off as fairly strong -- some may say radical and on occasion slightly academic, but there is no reason to use that 'tone' if that is not who you are. Please put critical thought into your writing -- make us think! And you are encouraged to be as political as you want to be, but there is nothing worse than not being true to who you are. Use your own style and bring your voice to the site. Be different. Those differences is what will make a difference!
