The Journal of Human Lactation (JHL) is a leading peer-reviewed publication dedicated to advancing research, practice, and policy related to breastfeeding and human lactation. For researchers, clinicians, and academicians, understanding the author guidelines is essential to ensure submissions meet the journal’s standards and increase the likelihood of acceptance. These guidelines provide detailed instructions on manuscript preparation, formatting, ethical considerations, and submission procedures. Following these standards carefully helps maintain the quality and consistency of published research while supporting the journal’s mission to disseminate reliable, evidence-based information in the field of lactation.
Overview of the Journal of Human Lactation
The Journal of Human Lactation publishes original research, clinical reports, systematic reviews, and evidence-based practice papers that focus on human lactation and breastfeeding. It serves as an essential resource for healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers worldwide. topics accepted by JHL undergo rigorous peer review to ensure scientific validity, ethical integrity, and relevance to the field. The author guidelines are designed to help contributors present their work clearly and professionally while adhering to ethical and scientific standards.
Scope of Submissions
JHL accepts submissions that address a wide range of topics related to human lactation, including
- Clinical and applied research on breastfeeding practices
- Maternal and infant health outcomes associated with lactation
- Public health and policy implications of breastfeeding
- Educational strategies and interventions for lactation support
- Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and evidence-based practice papers
- Case studies or innovative clinical approaches relevant to lactation
Manuscript Preparation
Authors submitting to JHL are expected to adhere to specific formatting and structural requirements. Manuscripts should be clearly organized, concise, and written in professional English. Key elements include
Title Page
The title page should include the manuscript title, author names, affiliations, and contact information for the corresponding author. A short running title of no more than 50 characters may also be required.
Abstract
The abstract should succinctly summarize the study, including background, methods, results, and conclusions. Typically, the word limit is 250 words. Structured abstracts are preferred for research topics, while narrative abstracts may be appropriate for reviews or case reports.
Keywords
Authors should provide 4-6 keywords that accurately reflect the content of the manuscript. Keywords facilitate indexing and improve discoverability in electronic databases.
Main Text Structure
For research topics, the main text should generally follow the IMRAD format (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion). Each section should be clearly labeled and logically organized
- IntroductionPresents background information, rationale for the study, and clearly stated objectives or research questions.
- MethodsDescribes study design, participants, data collection methods, interventions, and statistical analyses. Ethical approval and informed consent procedures should be clearly noted.
- ResultsPresents findings clearly using text, tables, and figures as appropriate. Avoid duplication between text and tables/figures.
- DiscussionInterprets findings, discusses implications, acknowledges limitations, and suggests areas for future research.
Figures, Tables, and References
High-quality figures and tables enhance clarity and understanding. Key points include
- Tables should be numbered consecutively and include descriptive titles.
- Figures should be submitted in high resolution, preferably in TIFF or JPEG format.
- Legends should clearly explain figures and abbreviations.
- References should follow the American Psychological Association (APA) style or the journal’s preferred format.
Ethical Considerations
Ethical integrity is a central requirement for publication in JHL. Authors must
- Obtain approval from relevant institutional review boards (IRB) or ethics committees for studies involving human participants.
- Ensure informed consent from participants is documented, particularly in studies involving mothers and infants.
- Disclose any potential conflicts of interest, funding sources, or sponsorships.
- Maintain confidentiality and privacy of participant data.
Types of Manuscripts Accepted
JHL accommodates several types of submissions, each with specific guidelines
- Original Research topicsFull-length studies reporting new findings with clear methodology and results.
- Systematic Reviews and Meta-AnalysesComprehensive syntheses of existing literature addressing specific research questions.
- Evidence-Based Practice Paperstopics that provide clinical guidance or recommendations based on research evidence.
- Case ReportsDetailed reports of unique clinical cases that contribute to knowledge or practice.
- Commentaries or EditorialsOpinion pieces providing insight or discussion on current topics in lactation research.
Submission Process
Submissions are typically made through the journal’s online portal. Authors should ensure that all required documents, including cover letters, title pages, and figures, are properly uploaded. The peer review process is double-blind, ensuring that manuscripts are evaluated fairly by experts in the field. Authors may receive requests for revisions based on reviewer feedback, which should be addressed thoroughly and resubmitted within the specified timeframe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Following the author guidelines carefully can reduce delays and increase the likelihood of acceptance. Common mistakes include
- Improper formatting of references or tables
- Exceeding word limits for abstracts or main text
- Omitting ethical approval statements or informed consent documentation
- Submitting low-quality or unclear figures
- Failing to disclose conflicts of interest or funding sources
Tips for Successful Submission
To improve chances of acceptance, authors should consider the following
- Read and adhere strictly to the journal’s author guidelines
- Ensure clarity, coherence, and conciseness in writing
- Use proper grammar, punctuation, and technical terminology
- Provide a clear rationale and contribution to the field of lactation research
- Respond constructively to reviewer comments and revise manuscripts accordingly
The Journal of Human Lactation author guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for preparing, submitting, and publishing high-quality manuscripts. By following these guidelines, authors ensure that their work meets scientific, ethical, and editorial standards, enhancing the impact and credibility of their research. Proper manuscript preparation, adherence to ethical standards, and careful attention to detail contribute to a smooth submission process and increase the likelihood of publication. For researchers, clinicians, and scholars in the field of human lactation, understanding and applying these guidelines is an essential step in sharing valuable knowledge and advancing the practice and science of breastfeeding.