Complex Birth Defects Follow-Up Care (LIFE Program)
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Why choose us for ongoing care for complex congenital conditions?
Children with complex congenital conditions (present at birth) receive attentive care from the skilled and compassionate team at the Long-term Infant-to-adult Follow-up & Evaluation (LIFE) Program. Our team sees your child regularly to monitor congenital conditions and help them manage challenges so they can become a healthy, independent adult.
Congenital conditions often affect multiple aspects of health. Our multidisciplinary approach supports your child's overall well-being, giving them highly coordinated care from pediatric surgeons, advanced practice providers, social workers and dietitians.
Your child's care is tailored to their age, development, condition and family preferences. If their health changes over time, we adjust their care and help address specific needs, including feeding difficulties or neurodevelopmental delays.
Why choose us for ongoing care for complex congenital conditions?
Children with complex congenital conditions (present at birth) receive attentive care from the skilled and compassionate team at the Long-term Infant-to-adult Follow-up & Evaluation (LIFE) Program. Our team sees your child regularly to monitor congenital conditions and help them manage challenges so they can become a healthy, independent adult.
Congenital conditions often affect multiple aspects of health. Our multidisciplinary approach supports your child's overall well-being, giving them highly coordinated care from pediatric surgeons, advanced practice providers, social workers and dietitians.
Your child's care is tailored to their age, development, condition and family preferences. If their health changes over time, we adjust their care and help address specific needs, including feeding difficulties or neurodevelopmental delays.
Long-term care from infancy to adulthood
Our team provides long-term care and support, getting to know your child and anticipating their health needs as they grow and develop.Supporting independence and neurodevelopment
In addition to meeting their medical needs, we help your child learn to do daily activities to maximize their independence.Team-based approach
The pediatric surgery team and other specialty providers work together to create a holistic care plan to meet your child's needs.Highly personalized care and monitoring
We tailor your child's follow-up care and visit frequency to their condition, age, symptoms and unique needs.
Follow-up care for congenital conditions
Care for your baby may begin during pregnancy, with a diagnosis at our Fetal Treatment Center. After birth, your baby may spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit. The LIFE Program continues that exceptional care, giving your child comprehensive, coordinated support at every age.
We provide long-term care and monitoring to children with a range of congenital conditions, including:
Anorectal malformations
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)
Esophageal atresia (EA)
Hirschsprung's disease
Managing complications
Children with these congenital conditions are at a higher risk for:
Constipation and fecal soiling or accidents
Feeding difficulties and poor weight gain
Disease recurrence (diseases returning)
Delayed neurodevelopment
Reactive airway disease (asthma-like symptoms)
Through careful monitoring, we can identify problems early and get your child the care and resources they need to minimize the impact of these complications.
Multispecialty care team
Your child's LIFE Program team helps coordinate care with other surgical and medical specialists, including:
Cardiologists
Ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons
Gastroenterologists
Neonatologists
Neurodevelopmental specialists
Pulmonologists
Urologists
These providers work together to personalize your child's care plan, coordinate specialty services and determine how frequently they need to visit the clinic. Typically, we see children every three to 12 months.
Nurturing independence
We help your child live as independently as possible at every age. Whether it's managing incontinence or transitioning to grade school, we help your child gain new skills and access the services they need to succeed.
As your child becomes an adult, we support them as they learn to manage their own health. We connect them to the appropriate UCSF adult care specialists, so they continue receiving the care they need to feel their best.
Providers
Lan Vu, MD
Pediatric Surgery • General Surgery
Mary Kate Klarich, NP
Pediatric Surgery
Awards & achievements
Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- Anorectal Abnormalities
- Bronchopulmonary Sequestration
- Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
- Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation
- Esophageal Atresia
- Gastroschisis
- Hirschsprung's Disease
- Imperforate Anus
- Multiple Congenital Anomalies and Birth Defects
Treatments
- Long-Term Care
- Transition of Youth with Special Care Needs
PEdiatric Access through Resource Linkage (PEARL)
Accreditations & memberships
California Children's Services (CCS)-designated Special Care Center (SCC)Opens in a new window
As a CCS-designated Special Care Center, we connect families to specialized services to support their child's health and development.
Support services
Child Life
Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.
Family Amenities
Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.
Social Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.
Activity Rooms
Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.
Pediatric Art Therapy Program
Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.
Pediatric Music Therapy Program
Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.
School Program for Hospitalized Children
Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.
School Re-Entry Program
We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.
Individual Playtime & Instruction
If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.
Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.
Family Resource Center
We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.
Parent Support Program
Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.
Patient Relations at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.
Spiritual Care at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.
International Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.