Louisiana Birth Defects Monitoring Network

The Louisiana Birth Defects Monitoring Network (LBDMN)  was formed to track birth defects in Louisiana children. The goals of the program include:

• Find birth defects in children under age 3
• Give families of children with birth defects information about the support services available to them
• Teach others about birth defects
• Help prevent birth defects in the future

What is a birth defect?

Birth defects are more common than you may think. Every year in the US, about 1 in every 33 babies is born with a birth defect. A birth defect is a problem that happens when the baby is still growing inside its mother’s body. There are many reasons why this happens. It’s important to talk to your doctor about what to expect if your baby is diagnosed with a birth defect.

Some birth defects are very minor or harmless. Other birth defects can be serious and can require long-term medical care. Birth defects can affect the way the body looks, works, or sometimes both. Children with birth defects may have special health care needs beyond those of other children. They may require special treatment such as surgery or therapy. Sometimes their conditions can last their whole lives. Fortunately, many children with birth defects go on to live quality lives.

Where can I find more information about support services?

We’ve partnered with the Bureau of Family Health Family Resource Center to help you find information about programs and services for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). A resource specialist can help connect you to services your family needs for daily life.

Visit our Family Resource Center.