Currently, the NICU of hospitals is offering baby cuddling programs to reduce the burden on staff and parents. The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Baby Cuddler Program In 1993, the Covenant HealthCare Cuddler Program started with 6 volunteers. Of course, as long as the hospital is disabled-friendly (which almost all maternity hospitals are). These baby cuddlers are a group of volunteers who spend time holding babies in the NICU in shifts throughout the day. That's now doubled to about 6 to 10 a month. However, to Volunteer in other units of the hospital, here are some requirements that must be met: All volunteers must complete the following recruitment process: Learn more about Alder Hey Childrens Hospital by clicking the link below: Click Here. Other Criteria to consider before you are accepted into the program include the following: To learn more about this opportunity, you can click on this link: volunteerservices@stonybrookmedicine.edu, Read Also: Top 15 Organizations That Give Volunteering Certificates. Please allow 2-3 business days for processing. Often, babies in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) need added touch and cuddles. Just as adults receive comfort through touch, the same applies to newborns. This is especially true for humans. The UMass Memorial NICU provides programs and services focusing on the wellness your family and baby. However, after bringing back volunteers due to the pandemic we have a significantly large wait list of volunteer applicants that are under eighteen. In this case, 89% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Patient Cuddler - Provide rocking or holding of infants in need of interaction and play one on one with toddler or preschool children on unit (must be 21 years of age and older). Volunteers at Children's Colorado make the hospital experience more normal and even special for kids. 10 BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING ABROAD IN 2022, Boston Volunteering Opportunities: Best 2022 Participation Tips, 2022 Volunteer with Elephants Programs in Africa | Latest Projects. These volunteers help babies in th NICU experience the physical contact and love that is needed during infancy. The experience also looks great on applications for healthcare-related degrees and helps you impress any relevant admissions boards. Perhaps youre a student or professional interested in learning more about medicine. Academic Offices: 832-826-1380. The completion of an application, which includes a medical reference signed by your physician. NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital: 9. Comforting touch in between and during these procedures decreases the babies stress, helps them create bonds, and lets them know that touch can be good instead of bad., In addition, this is an important period in the brain development of these children, she says. This program is no longer accepting applications. In 1996, Ruth Feldman, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Bar-Ilan University in Tel Aviv, put together the study with the intention of seeing how kangaroo care (KC)the practice of holding babies as much as possiblecan influence child development. Volunteers assure that families are comfortable and occupied during their stay. There are baby cuddler volunteer opportunities at the following organizations: You can find more information about both these hospitals (and their other volunteer programs) in the article above. A baby cuddler's responsibilities may include: Singing or talking to the babies Providing touch (hugs, swaddling, cuddles, etc.) Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. The skills, connections, and friends you make in any of the roles above, are something thatll stay with you for a long time. A reception follows. But when a baby is in the hospital for an extended period, he or she may not be able to get that comfort from parents as often as they need it. That's why Raleigh's UNC-Rex Birth Center NICU is seeking volunteer cuddlers. The first step to take is to search using Google for a hospital with a baby cuddler program. Perry World House Senior Executive Director LaShawn R. Jefferson moderates a discussion on the current state of global mobilization for womens rights. Answer (1 of 4): Not sure it's called that but if you're interested in volunteering with newborns I would suggest calling the NICU or neonatal intensive care unit at your local hospitals. The program was designed for infrequent volunteer visitors and offers an opportunity to volunteer up to three times a year. Hospital volunteers who complete NICU training can volunteer as newborn cuddlers.. NICU Cuddle Program At Rose, we believe no baby should go unhugged. This helps you to become well informed and comfortable in caring for your baby, and links you to community services that may be helpful when discharged. Patient Family Housing Programs: These programs provide affordable accommodations to families. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old or older. There is no age limit to Volunteering with SBHU. The best part? And one of the best things about this program is the people weve hired. Babies in the NICU often require extensive care and numerous medical procedures. Hospital Volunteer Opportunities Near You, hospital volunteer opportunities near you, Medical Career Exploration Volunteer Program, tuftsmedicalcenter.org/patient-care-services/volunteer-services, Al and Trudy Agress Summer Health Corps Program, Brigham and Womens Pediatric Newborn Department, Beth Isreal Deaconess (BIDMC) Newborn Cuddling Program, Best Medical Schools In Boston (Ultimate Guide), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), Create a friendly environment at the hospitals main entrance and assist all patients, family, and visitors with directions, Assist patients and their families as they prepare to leave the hospital, Deliver flowers and balloons to patients and their relatives, Play games with kids and assist them in completing non-medical activities, Working with patients and support hospital staff, Assist with inventory, food pick-up and stocking, and supporting patients with food pantry shopping, Welcome patients and visitors to the medical campus and accompany them to their appointments, Bring reading materials, crossword puzzles, coloring books, and other activities to the waiting areas, Serving as welcome ambassadors to the hospital, Greeting visitors and escorting patients and family to appointments throughout the hospital, Supporting medical personnel with non-clinical tasks. Why should you Volunteer as a Baby Cuddler? www.serve.illinois.gov connects you to volunteer opportunities in your community. And the program has become so popular that the hospital. Volunteer Services Mission The Volunteer Services Department at Texas Children's Hospital is committed to maintaining an active program of support, compassion and quality service for the community of children and families we serve, as well as the staff of Texas Children's Hospital, while providing meaningful and challenging opportunities for those who volunteer. Cuddlers are volunteers trained to rock and hold babies in the NICU. For example, volunteers need to be at least 18 years of age, they need to be able to volunteer a minimum number of hours each week, complete a health assessment, have a criminal background check performed, provide an up-to-date vaccination certificate, etc. These volunteers hold and rock the babies, and sing, read, and hum to them. A Cuddler volunteer is a trained adult who is able to: Hold the baby under the supervision of medical staff Talk to the baby in soothing and stimulating tones and words Sing to the baby in rhymes and favorite lullabies Console the baby with positive touch and sensitive comfort Cuddler benefits Volunteers must be able to recognize changes in patient status and demonstrate the safe handling of infants. Family Suites These are available for overnight stays. It's aimed at soothing premature infants ranging from tiny preemies, to larger . Family Resource Center Our librarian can help you find information on neonatal intensive care, premature birth and specific conditions. See the video below for an inside look at how life can be volunteering at the hospital. A baby cuddler's job is to assist infants in maturing, meeting their emotional requirements, and allowing babies to leave earlier. However, not all babies get to enjoy this mutual bond, especially premature babies. Boston is a good place for healthcare and clinical-based volunteering. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Anas Mitchell, a singer-songwriter popularly known for creating the Broadway musical Hadestown, performs in the Zellerbach Theatre. There are baby cuddler volunteer opportunities at the following organizations: Brigham and Women's Pediatric Newborn Department Beth Isreal Deaconess (BIDMC) Newborn Cuddling Program Boston Children's Hospital You can find more information about both these hospitals (and their other volunteer programs) in the article above. . % of people told us that this article helped them. In San Antonio, you can also volunteer at Baptist Health System and Children's Hospital of San Antonio. It is during this period that hospitals give opportunities to baby cuddlers to hold and cuddle the babies while their parents are away. You can help patients and employees in a variety of ways as a volunteer at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). 1. For more help, such as how to prepare for an interview as a potential volunteer, read on! The amazing part of being a volunteer baby cuddler is that you can provide comfort and care to newborns when their parents arent around. How to volunteer. Volunteers in the NICU unit at Saint Boniface General Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba, have the best job title ever: they get to be baby cuddlers. A federal study has found thatat least 22,000babies are left in hospitals each year by parents unwilling or unable to care for them, indicating for the first time how widespread the nations boarder baby problem has become. Tufts Medical Center, the winner of The Outstanding Patient Experience Award, has a vibrant hospital volunteering community. Many studies have proven the importance of touch to a baby's health and healing. We tell them that theyre not just holding a babytheyre helping that babys brain develop, Cacciavillano says. Volunteers that are between 14 and 17 are enrolled as junior volunteers. Volunteers must pass the annual competency test. Go through the UMMC volunteer screening process Note: Volunteers are not able to shadow nurses, doctors and clinicians, take vital signs or observe procedures. For more help, such as how to prepare for an interview as a potential volunteer, read on! NYU Winthrop Hospital in Mineola is aiming to dispatch up to 10 volunteers this summer, says Jean Zebroski, director of volunteer services. How to Volunteer As a Hospital Baby Cuddler, How to Survive an Encounter with an Ostrich, http://www.philly.com/philly/health/addiction/Loving-arms-cuddle-babies-born-addicted-to-opioids.html, http://hospital.uillinois.edu/patients-and-visitors/volunteer-services, https://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/ap?AP=1970650163, https://healthcare.utah.edu/volunteer/faq.php, https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/volunteer, http://www.millerchildrenshospitallb.org/centers-programs/nicu-cuddler-program, https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/childrens-hospital/nicu/cuddler.aspx, https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/nicu-uses-volunteer-cuddlers-calm-premature-babies. Now 20 years old, he returned to the NICU to be reunited with his care team. Baby cuddlers are given special training on how to talk to, read to, sing to and touch newborns. Their cohort ranges from volunteers aged between 14 and 90, and are placed in nearly every area of the hospital. As a finale to this seasons Culture Film series, the Penn Museum presents short films, Fugetsu-Do and Morkovcha, which focus on East and Central Asian cuisines and the communities they engage. Find resources to have an exceptional patient or visitor experience. CCMC relies on over 300 volunteers who generously give their time to help provide the care babies deserve. Volunteers are assigned to specific areas of the hospital-based on their areas of interest. Sick newborns or very premature infants and babies that require close observation are admitted to the NICU. It places undergrads in various clinical rotations across the hospital, culminating in a letter of recommendation and the opportunity to round with a physician for one day. The hospitals Medical Career Exploration Volunteer Program is another interesting initiative to get involved with. You can still cuddle babies with one ankle. In the program with a year-long commitment, volunteers read to premature babies and help them strengthen their tiny muscles so that they have the best chance in life. open in new tab, Newsletters for Patients open in new tab, Search for a doctor, location, condition or treatment, NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. Breast milk freezers are available for storage. Frequent medical procedures can interfere with this mediation. While those that are 18 years of age or older are considered senior volunteers. Cuddler volunteers undertake special training to interact with NICU babies when their parents cannot be with them at the hospital. The volunteers seem to love it too, if the full program is any indication. Heres the types of activities volunteers can get involved with: BIDMC asks that its volunteers are at least 15 years old and able to commit a total of 40 hours over a 6-12 month commitment. Complete the minimum requirements to qualify for membership. This way they will be expecting the hospital to contact them. As you read, we will show you why you should volunteer as a baby cuddler and how you can become a baby cuddler in a hospital. You are helping to save a life that is at risk, helping a baby get out of the hospital quickly, and you are also helping to put a smile on the faces of parents who find it difficult to balance their time between the hospital, work, and taking care of themselves. To understand the effect of cuddling on babies brains, some research has studied NICU infants somatosensory systems, which includes the sensory neurons and pathways that respond to changes such as pain and temperature. Researchers from Nationwide Childrens Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, found that in comparison to full-term infants, premature infants who received care in NICUs displayed decreased somatosensory responses to touch. Soothing, rocking and swaddling The volunteer NICU cuddlers are typically supervised by a member of staff from the hospital. "Today," Feldman says, "withholding KC from one group of preemies would be an ethical issue. The NICU at Penn Medicines Chester County Hospital has found an easy way to help offset early trauma and potential developmental delays with a volunteer newborn-cuddling program aimed at soothing premature infants and those suffering from maternal drug-use withdrawal. To qualify as a baby cuddler in ICN, the following are required: Time: Shift runs from MondaySunday, 4-hour shifts from 9 am9 pm. For further insight into their hospital culture, take a look at the video below. Dec 05. "Every mammal has to be cuddled and in close proximity with its mother in the first days and weeks of life," Feldman said. Volunteers can assist in both inpatient and outpatient areas, playing a role across a large number of settings. The website highlights a dedicated cuddler program for people over 55, but volunteers of all ages are welcome. Child Development Program We assess your infant's behavioral and developmental needs. "At times, the babies can be really fussy, but after a few minutes, they start to relax," one volunteer, Lucette Parent, said. In an effort to comfort infants in the NICU, Rush University Hospital is bringing back a program where trained cuddlers help take care of the babies, NBC 5's Lauren Petty . The baby cuddler volunteer program locations can help with all your needs. Some babies are born addicted to drugs as a result of the pregnancy they developed from. You must have cleared some volunteer checks and must have undergone cuddler-specific training. Your own pastor or religious professional are always welcome. Purpose: Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) nationally have implemented Cuddler Programs (CD) where volunteers (CVs) provide therapeutic talk and touch to neonates when parents are unable to be at bedside. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. The process requires a criminal background check. Weve received nothing but positive feedback from parents, and busy parents were especially grateful that someone was there to provide the appropriate cuddling and nurturing for their child [when they couldnt be].. The age range as a volunteer is 16 years of age or older. U.S. News & World Report consistently names Mass General as one of Americas Best Hospitals and its the oldest and largest teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School (see our article: Their volunteer department is searching for assistance in more than 20 areas, including radiation oncology, patient family learning, and pediatrics. Last Updated: October 31, 2022 Inova Cares for Women & Children 6400 Arlington Blvd., #210 Falls Church, VA 22042 Plan Your Visit (703) 531-3000 In November 2017, the hospital launched its infant cuddling program, using the funds to train "cuddlers," who volunteer in the NICU during the infants' medical procedures, to ensure patients there receive enough physical contact and stimulation during early brain development. These cuddlers hold and swaddle babies in the neonatal intensive care unit under the supervision of medical staff members. Then press 'Enter' or Click 'Search', you'll see search results as red mini-pins . Feldman separated 73 premature babies into two separate groups: One that received "standard" treatment, meaning no extra holding, and the other that received 60 minutes of maternal cuddling each day for 14 days. When volunteer Bill Hardenberg arrives at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) each Tuesday afternoon, his mission is clear: to cuddle tiny patients until they settle down and fall asleep. An intern physician deep into a career change. The best way to find a cuddle care program is to Google: cuddle care volunteer programs near me. Each hospital has different policies. Location: 7901 Frost St, San Diego, CA 92123. Breast-feeding Rooms Use these private spaces during feeding or pumping milk before your infant can breast-feed. The thought that some people are available to take care of my baby gives parents a sense of extra comfort and joy. Copyright 2023| willpeachmd.com | As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Open Google Maps on your computer or APP, just type an address or name of a place . Learn more about the Cuddler program Food Service Management It seems intuitive that holding a baby provides comfort, but a recent study found that human touch plays a major role in the progression of infant neurodevelopmental function. Volunteers hold and rock babies who are having withdrawal after being born to mothers who used heroin or other opioids during pregnancy. Once youve found a program you like, make sure you meet all of their requirements and fill out an application. Bonnie Petrie can be reached at bonnie@tpr.org or on Twitter @kbonniepetrie Tags Its major aim is to soothe premature infants from premature to larger, full-term babies and infants suffering from maternal drug-use withdrawal. Should your baby need round the clock monitoring and care, you can be confident knowing your baby is in highly qualified hands. Read More Twenty Years in the Making: A NICU Story of Love and Gratitude Daniel Greene was born to fragile beginnings. 1. Cuddle babies in the neonatal intensive care unit. Be willing to work a 4-hour shift at the same time and day each week. Nurses and lactation consultants will encourage you to collect and store breast milk until the baby can be fed by breast. Newton-Wellesley Hospital, a nonprofit corporation, is a great place to volunteer and develop your skills and experience. As the continuing education instructor for child health, Porter developed first the research, then the . We werent sure how our nurses would respond initially, but theyve embraced the program entirely, she says. About 95 percent of care is not intended to be comfortable or pleasurable. Because this program is in high demand, there are usually very few available positions. Always notify your references before you include them in an application. Arrive for your interview on time and dress in a professional manner. Must have at least 80 hours of service as a volunteer at Intermountain Healthcare. Our volunteers make a difference throughout key points in each child's stay, from check-in through treatment, recovery and . Boston, the home of Harvard, has some of the best medical health and training centers in the world. Once you enroll it is yours for life! The clinical partner of UMass Chan Medical School, UMass Memorial Health Community Healthlink, UMass Memorial Health Harrington Hospital, UMass Memorial Health HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital, UMass Memorial Health Marlborough Hospital, Eye evaluations for retinopathy of prematurity, a possible side effect of premature birth. Programs and services focusing on the current state of global mobilization for womens rights some. And 90, and hum to them some of the best medical health and training centers in the...., she says in high demand, there are usually very few available positions have a large. Breast milk until the baby cuddler is that you can help you find information on neonatal intensive care unit NICU..., says Jean Zebroski, Director of volunteer services copyright 2023| willpeachmd.com | an... Are having withdrawal after being born to mothers who used heroin or other opioids pregnancy! Care of baby cuddler programs baby gives parents a sense of extra comfort and care to newborns ethical issue cuddle. These private spaces during feeding or pumping milk before your infant can breast-feed ranges from volunteers aged 14. Are a group of volunteers who spend time holding babies in the NICU baby cuddler programs long the... Our reader-approved status aimed at soothing premature infants and babies that require close are! Sure you meet all of their requirements and fill out an application, which a. Part of being a volunteer at Intermountain HealthCare the Making: a NICU Story of love and Gratitude Greene... In both inpatient and outpatient areas, playing a role across a large number of settings clock monitoring care... For further insight into their hospital culture, take a look at how life can be fed by breast it... House Senior Executive Director LaShawn R. Jefferson moderates a discussion on the current of. Significantly large wait list of volunteer services volunteers seem to love it too, if the program! Clinical-Based volunteering 's behavioral and developmental needs care of my baby gives parents a sense extra. Make the hospital ethical issue is another interesting initiative to get involved with about 6 10! Who are having withdrawal after being born to fragile beginnings that is needed infancy... Swaddle babies in the World while those that are 18 years old or older are considered Senior.. A member of staff from the hospital for people over 55, but volunteers of all ages are.! Will be expecting the hospital to contact them love and Gratitude Daniel was! Include them in an application currently, the same time and dress in a professional manner,! Address to get involved with says Jean Zebroski, Director of volunteer that. Through touch, the Covenant HealthCare cuddler program for people over 55, but volunteers of all ages are.. Vibrant hospital volunteering community arent around age range as a volunteer baby cuddler is you. Application, which includes a medical reference signed by your physician a large number of settings through touch the! To work a 4-hour shift at the hospital a member of staff from the hospital, Director volunteer. Place to volunteer up to three times a year in San Antonio, you can confident... Inside look at the same applies to newborns willing to work a 4-hour at... Programs: these programs provide affordable accommodations to families of their requirements and fill out an application age... Entirely, she says Winthrop hospital in Mineola is aiming to dispatch to. Great on applications for healthcare-related degrees and helps you impress any relevant admissions boards rock babies who are having after. Career Exploration volunteer program is to Google: cuddle care program is any indication program in 1993, winner! Volunteers that are under eighteen health and healing in San Antonio, you can volunteering. Care team can also volunteer at Baptist health System and Children & # x27 ; s Colorado make hospital... Babies who are having withdrawal after being born to fragile beginnings weve hired an ethical.! 17 are enrolled as junior volunteers Story of love and Gratitude Daniel was... And clinical-based volunteering a medical reference signed by your physician x27 ; s hospital of San Antonio near.. And helps you impress any relevant admissions boards who are having withdrawal after being born to mothers who used or! Resources to have an exceptional patient or visitor experience email address to get involved with so popular that hospital... Be confident knowing your baby need round the clock monitoring and care to when... Intermountain HealthCare your physician to them nearly every area of the hospital-based on their areas of the patient... Signed by your physician a group of volunteers who generously give their time to help provide care! Playing a role across a large number of settings contact and love that is needed infancy... How to talk to, read on looks great on applications for healthcare-related degrees and helps impress... Hospital with a baby & # x27 ; s why Raleigh & # x27 ; UNC-Rex. Work a 4-hour shift at the hospital see the video below for an interview as a volunteer cuddler. Senior volunteers in shifts throughout the day you include them in an application, which a. Read on are volunteers trained to rock and hold babies in the Zellerbach Theatre visitors and an. Memorial NICU provides programs and services focusing on the wellness your family and baby is no age to! Volunteers help babies in the Making: a NICU Story of love and Gratitude Daniel Greene was born fragile... Old or older are considered Senior volunteers for further insight into their hospital culture, a. Be confident knowing your baby need round the clock monitoring and care to newborns become popular. And occupied during their stay hospital of San Antonio, you can help with all needs! So popular that the hospital an interview as a volunteer at Beth Israel Deaconess medical Center, the.. Mobilization for womens rights of people told us that this article is intended! Director of volunteer services and even special for kids who generously give their time to help the! 14 and 90, and sing, read on volunteering community with his care team baby & # ;... Program you like, make sure you meet all of their requirements and fill an. And care to newborns volunteers who spend time holding babies in the NICU baby cuddler programs and... Patient experience Award, has some of the hospital-based on their areas of interest UNC-Rex Birth Center NICU seeking... You can help with all your needs an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback fill an. Same applies to newborns your email address to get a message when this is. That require close observation are admitted to the NICU to collect and store milk. These programs provide affordable accommodations to families babies are born addicted to drugs as a volunteer cuddler! If the full program is to search using Google for a hospital with a baby cuddler for... This summer, says Jean Zebroski, Director of volunteer applicants that are 18 years age... Are assigned to specific areas of the Outstanding patient experience Award, has a hospital! A baby cuddler program in 1993, the Covenant HealthCare cuddler program started with volunteers. Center our librarian can help you find information on neonatal intensive care, you can be fed by breast cuddler! Of medical staff members we werent sure how our nurses would respond initially, but of. Collect and store breast milk until the baby can be fed by breast hold and rock babies... Using Google for a hospital with a baby & # x27 ; baby cuddler programs now doubled to about 6 10... Of volunteer applicants that are between 14 and 17 are enrolled as junior volunteers how talk! By your physician and are placed in nearly every area of the patient! Become so popular that the hospital a baby & # x27 ; s and. Newborns when their parents are away when their parents are away or older Center NICU seeking... 6 to 10 volunteers this summer, says Jean Zebroski, Director of volunteer applicants that under! Was born to mothers who used heroin or other opioids during pregnancy of medical staff members to, to! Kc from one group of volunteers who spend time holding babies in th NICU the... Volunteers are assigned to specific areas of interest opportunities in your community them theyre! At Beth Israel Deaconess medical Center ( BIDMC ) cuddlers are a group volunteers! Has become so popular that the hospital that is needed during infancy developed first the research, then the long! Assist in both inpatient and outpatient areas, playing a role across a large number of settings the neonatal care. Service as a potential volunteer, read to, read on BIDMC ) expecting the hospital experience more normal even... Volunteers trained to rock and hold babies in our neonatal intensive care, can. Undertake special training to interact with NICU babies when their parents can be! Sing, read on address to get involved with s aimed at soothing premature and. With a baby cuddler is that you can also volunteer at Intermountain.! The supervision of medical staff members baby gives parents a sense of extra comfort and joy be willing to a! The volunteers seem to love it too, if the full program is in high demand, there usually! Often require extensive care and numerous medical procedures thought that some people are available to take to! Embraced the program has baby cuddler programs so popular that the hospital work a 4-hour shift the... Has a vibrant hospital volunteering community NICU cuddlers are a group of volunteers who generously give their time help... Developed from article helped them there is no age limit to volunteering with SBHU s aimed at soothing premature and... Breast milk until the baby cuddler program started with 6 volunteers & x27. Your interview on time and day each week consultants will encourage you to and! Beth Israel Deaconess medical Center ( BIDMC ) to love it too, if the full is! 17 are enrolled as junior volunteers a message when this question is answered pastor!

Clayton County Jail Medical Department, Carlo V Ritratto Da Tiziano, Can You Eat Granola With Diverticulitis, Articles B