Shows
The YMyHealth PodcastFrom Loss of a Baby to Advocacy and Building a Foundation: The Allo Hope StoryIn this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, co-host Melissa Schenkman talks with Bethany Weathersby, Founder and Executive Director of the Allo Hope Foundation, to discuss the challenges of alloimmunization during pregnancy and finding proper and life-saving care for mothers and their babies. Bethany shares her personal journey through loss, the lack of information available to patients, and her mission to advocate for others facing similar challenges. Alloimmunization is a rare pregnancy condition where the mother's immune system creates antibodies that can attack her developing baby's red blood cells. This can lead to anemia in the fetus, resulting in a...
2025-07-2454 min
The Allo PodcastRhoGAM Demystified: Historical Context, Modern Use, and Patient ConcernsBethany, Molly and Katie talk through all aspects of Rh Immune Globulin (RhOGAM, WinRho, RhIG). They cover the history, how it’s made, its safety profile, understanding the RhIG shortage, and public health controversy. The women provide information for Rh negative women who are deciding whether or not to accept the RhIG injection for a pregnancy. Do you live in the U.S. and have Anti-D antibodies? You could be paid more than $100 per plasma donation (up to twice a week) with reimbursement for travel to a donation center. E-mail us at info@allohopefoundation.org and Bethany, Kat...
2024-12-171h 26The Allo PodcastFriends and Family Guide to HDFNOn listener request, Bethany and Molly dedicate an episode to the friends and family of the alloimmunized mother. They reintroduce themselves, explain alloimmunization and HDFN and what to expect from an alloimmunized pregnancy, and give concrete advice on how to support someone navigating this disease. Read a description of HDFN on the National Organization for Rare Disorders website written by AHF: NORD: HDFNMental health burden in alloimmunized pregnancy: AJOG: Mental Health and HDFNDonate to AHF: DonateAHF Merch: MerchWatch this episode on YouTube: Allo YouTube
2024-12-0346 minThe Allo PodcastOne Tiny Thing that Made the DifferenceIn true Bethany and Molly fashion, the hosts open with laughing at inappropriate stories and end in happy tears sharing the most heartfelt moments of love and appreciation for each other and this special community. One Tiny Thing is a compilation of patient-provided “tiny things” that happened to them and changed everything. Bethany and Molly discuss listener answers to these special questions:What is one tiny thing that could have saved your HDFN baby’s life? What is one tiny thing that did save your HDFN baby’s life? What is one tiny th...
2024-11-2651 minThe Allo PodcastPatient Questions, Expert Answers: Dr. Kara Markham is Back!Bethany and Molly return to record with Dr. Markham, a well-loved maternal fetal medicine specialist who has treated many HDFN babies. They cover many questions submitted by allo moms including: Does a high titer or low titer mean the baby is antigen positive or negative? If mom’s antibodies are too low to titer, what does that mean for the rest of the pregnancy? Is it too risky to pursue another pregnancy with a titer of 2,048? Is it safe to have an external cephalic version (ECV) for breech babies in alloimmunized pregna...
2024-11-1944 minThe Allo PodcastWhat You Need to Know About Low Titer PregnanciesS3E2: Low Titer Alloimmunized Pregnancies Over half of alloimmunized pregnancies begin with a low antibody titer, and a portion stay low throughout the pregnancy. Others begin low and later rise to critical levels. This episode is dedicated to management of the low titer pregnancy and how to anticipate a potential change in disease trajectory if titers increase. Bethany and Molly include management recommendations and stories submitted by low titer moms before transitioning to a special interview with allo mom Amanda, whose pregnancy began as a low titer pregnancy before taking a surprising turn. We me...
2024-11-121h 09
The Allo PodcastThe Essential 5 Key Steps to Help HDFN Babies ThriveS3E1: Top 5 Things to Save HDFN Babies Bethany and Molly begin Season 3 with a review of the episodes ahead before challenging each other to list what they think are Top 5 things that would keep the most HDFN babies safe. The episode takes a turn when they reveal that they have signed themselves up for plenty more than 5 things (listed below). Donate to AHF: https://allohopefoundation.org/get-involved/donate/AHF Merch: https://allo-hope-foundation.myspreadshop.com/Watch this episode on YouTube:YouTube The Essential 5Join the AHF patient support group: ht...
2024-11-0537 minThe Allo PodcastVital HDFN Treatments & Cutting Edge Research with Dr. Ken MoiseOver the Past 2 seasons Bethany and Molly have discussed the lack of consistent, accessible treatment and the current ways we can treat an alloimmunized mom and her children with HDFN, but on this episode with Dr. Moise we discuss a bright future. Can a simple carbon monoxide reader replace a needle procedure to monitor for anemia? Can a drug stop antibodies from crossing the placenta entirely? We look to the cutting edge of medical treatment for disease that brought these women together. Guest: Dr. Kenneth J Moise Jr, M.D. Dell Medical School – UT AustinDirector, Com...
2023-11-281h 20The Allo PodcastRose's Story part 2Continuing from last episode, Bethany and Molly listen to Rose Murage’s story. As Rose navigates the final few steps to the United States, she discovers that both the lack of quality care in Kenya and the trauma of her previous pregnancies will follow her to America. But tears of sorrow become tears of joy when she is finally in the hands of a provider who can offer empathetic, quality care, and the world and the podcast welcomes baby Lucas. Episode themes: Traveling to another country to receive care for alloimmunization/HDFNSevere HDFN MCA Doppler ultrasound to mo...
2023-11-211h 32The Allo PodcastRose's Story part 1This special two-part episode of the Allo Podcast is intended for our regular listeners and for those who are unfamiliar with alloimmunization. A beautiful testament to the grace of humanity, Bethany and Molly sit on the floor of Molly’s bedroom with guest Rose Murage, a native Kenyan with a harrowing pregnancy journey. Rose shares the pain of watching her first two children die tragic, inexplicable deaths. But when Rose reached out to Bethany for help, a new journey began to diagnose Rose with red cell alloimmunization and find a way towards a living baby in a country with li...
2023-11-141h 39The Allo PodcastAgne's StoryAgne’s experience of growing up in the Soviet Union has left her with a vague medical record that doesn’t explain her severe antibody titer affecting her pregnancies. Bethany and Molly experience the culture shock of Agne’s uncommon options following the loss of her first child to a failed intrauterine blood transfusion, followed by two more unthinkable losses as she searches for the information she needs to have her rainbow baby even when it feels impossible.Show Themes: Alloimmunization and HDFN treatments in Eastern Europe Parental antigen and antibody status testing Conflicting issues between social vi...
2023-11-071h 07The Allo PodcastProcessing Grief & Trauma in Alloimmunized PregnanciesA powerful episode that you may not know you needed. Bethany and Molly share from the heart in this special episode that will open you up to an awareness and understanding you may not have considered before. Grief and trauma are more common than you think across the motherhood journey, but especially in pregnancies affected by alloimmunization. This episode is intended for any listener who has experienced loss related to pregnancy and motherhood, no matter how big or small, and for those who want to better support a person who has experienced pregnancy trauma and grief. Bethany and Molly...
2023-10-3157 minThe Allo PodcastEmily's StoryThe onset of a strange itchiness results in the discovery that pregnant Emily Rusch is experiencing cholestasis. A lack of adequate medical attention results in the death of Emily’s baby in the NICU. Emily shares about her experience as a bereaved and newly sensitized mother as she navigates alloimmunization in her subsequent pregnancies. Show Themes: Pregnancy related itching and cholestasis Losing a child Discerning and pursuing medical malpractice litigationFinding ways of maintaining control in difficult situations Advocacy in the NICU and post-discharge for HDFN babiesAnxiety of motherhood and the burden of being your baby’s best advo...
2023-10-241h 21The Allo PodcastQ&A with Dr. Kara MarkhamBethany and Molly chat with Dr. Kara Markham, (M.D. University of Cincinnati Medical Center) a maternal fetal medicine specialist and expert in the pregnancy management of alloimmunization and HDFN. They ask questions from the allo community, and end with Bethany and Dr. Markham in a trivia competition about HDFN. During this grab bag episode, Bethany, Molly and Dr. Markham discuss the following, and more:Whether antibody titers can be loweredWhether to use Rh immune globulin ("Rhogam") in early pregnancy bleedingCross-matching for more than just the D antigen before transfusionBreastfeeding HDFN babiesChecking titers before pregnancyWhen to do...
2023-10-171h 01The Allo PodcastFamily Planning After AlloimmunizationNavigating maternal alloimmunization and having a baby with HDFN is a high-stress, difficult, and sometimes dangerous experience. Sometimes you may want to make a choice to navigate around these difficulties. What are your options? Molly and Bethany discuss options available to Allo moms and families, and Bethany shares her own past experiences considering each option and even attempting adoption. Remember, at the end of the day, the decision is always yours. Show Themes: Making the decision to get pregnant again, natural or otherwise. The options:In-vitro fertilization (IVF) with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) Sperm donationSurrogacyAdoption Embryo adopt...
2023-10-0350 minThe Allo PodcastKatie's StoryNavigating the American medical system is not new to a clinician like Katie, but experiencing it as a rare disease patient is a different story entirely. This week Bethany and Molly interview Allo Hope Foundation’s Director of Development, Katie Shanahan, a nurse practitioner who became sensitized after not receiving Rh immunoglobulin (RhIG, sometimes called RHOGAM). Her alloimmunization progressed rapidly as her son developed significant HDFN in her first alloimmunized pregnancy. Katie shares stories of IUTs and NICU life in such a relatable and informative way. Also, the women discuss the process of in vitro fertilization and how preimplantation ge...
2023-09-261h 09The Allo PodcastMaternal Alloimmunization: What Every OBGYN Needs to KnowIn this episode, Bethany and Molly focus on obstetricians and other medical professionals who play the critical role of diagnosis and initial treatment planning for alloimmunized patients. To close, Bethany and Molly play a game to try to treatment plan for alloimmunized patients based on limited information, and find a new level of appreciation for physicians. Show themes Telling a patient they have maternal alloimmunization: what every patient wishes they could hearMost important initial blood tests and their implicationsDetermining how quickly a patient should see a high risk doctorThe importance of finding the right MFM, not th...
2023-09-1952 minThe Allo PodcastBrittany's StoryWelcome back to Season 2 of The Allo Podcast. Bethany and Molly return and begin the season with Brittany Pineda, an incredible mother whose antibodies were missed in her first two alloimmunized pregnancies. After suffering the loss of her son Kristian, she shares a story of hope as she stops at nothing to get the care she needed even with extremely aggressive disease. Brittany’s story demonstrates how doctors across multiple states can come together to create a comprehensive and effective treatment plan for even the most complicated situation. Show Themes: Red flags in treatmentFetal lossWhen to find...
2023-09-121h 27The Allo PodcastThe Past, Present, and Future of HDFNBethany and Molly discuss the history of HDFN and Alloimmunization. From the 1600s with a strange record of infant mortality to early attempts to hit an umbilical cord with a needle using only an x-ray and paper clips. They tell the story of the true state of disease management today using direct quotes from affected families. They also look to the future with hopes of new preventative medicines that could change the treatment of HDFN. Episode themes: The first reported case of HDFNRhesus monkey tests and the Rh factor Early treatments for fetal anemia William Liley’s firs...
2022-12-1345 minThe Allo PodcastAfter Birth Monitoring and CareOkay, we’ve had the podcast baby, now what? Molly and Bethany discuss the medical measures needed to keep the baby healthy after they join us on the other side. As our new patient is born we have a new series of information and tips to keep baby safe until baby is finally cleared of mom’s antibodies, usually by 12 weeks of age. Episode themes: Why baby is still affected by mom’s antibodies after birthTwo major effects of HDFN: hyperbilirubinemia and anemiaMonitoring bilirubin via blood test or photo sensor.Transfusions: exchange, top-up and IVIG, and tips if...
2022-12-0657 minThe Allo PodcastStaying Empowered During DeliveryEventually, a pregnancy story becomes a birth story. Molly and Bethany cover the various things to expect with an Alloimmunized birth, and talk about the many things you can do to prepare for your birth, and some choices you can make to have your birth experience be your own. Episode themes:Delivery timing and how IUTs affect your delivery timeWhy home births are not indicatedWhat to look for in a NICUWhat tests to request at deliveryRequesting crossmatched blood, just in case Maintaining your empowerment Creating a birth plan What to pack for your deliveryHow to give birth...
2022-11-2959 minThe Allo PodcastThe Partner's PerspectiveMost episodes of the Allo Hope Podcast discuss the effects of alloimmunization on mom and baby, but on this episode we talk to partners. Bethany and Monique interview eachother’s partners and discover how they found out, what they felt, and how they supported their wives and children during the difficult pregnancies. Visit Bethany and Monique’s individual story episodes to learn more about their alloimmunization journey.Episode themes: The discovery of a partner’s struggle How to advocate for your partner and baby’s care Dealing with loss and what it means for your partner, family, and...
2022-11-1526 minThe Allo PodcastMonique's StoryIn our quest to share the experience of Alloimmunized moms, Bethany interviewed Monique Kinney, a contributor to the Allo Hope Foundation. Monique founded the premier Facebook support group for Alloimmunized moms before the Allo Hope Foundation was started in 2019. Episode themes: Monique’s proactive discovery of her Anti-E antibody statusThe Bad NumberAdvice for post-birthMid-Pregnancy Postpartum AnxietyAdvocacy against hospital policyBeing your baby’s medical recordTerminology used in this episode: Antibody Evanescence: The waning of antibodies over time following an exposure to the immunized antigen. Once a patient develops antibodies, the antibodies never truly disappear. Fewer t...
2022-11-0837 minThe Allo PodcastRight Doctor, Right CareWhy do we have to advocate so hard for adequate care for Maternal Alloimmunization? This disease is so rare, many maternal fetal medicine doctors (MFMs) simply do not treat it often. Finding the right doctor with experience in this disease can change the outcome of your pregnancy experience and the health of your baby. Episode topics: Common barriers to good careDoctor’s reflection on the patient/provider relationshipUnderstanding your choices with an MFM Establishing mutual trust with your Doctor What to look for in an MFMYour body, your baby, your careThe things to look out for in a d...
2022-11-0140 minThe Allo PodcastBethany's Story, Part 2Bethany’s story continues with the growth of her family, learning from the mistakes made in Lucy’s treatment for severe HDFN. After Bethany becomes pregnant she goes to great lengths to keep her babies safe, moving out of state, undergoing frequent plasmapheresis and IVIG, many IUTs, NICU time, and post-birth transfusions. While Bethany’s proactive pursuit of treatment leads to the delivery of 3 healthy children, the loss of Lucy motivates her toward activism and the founding of the Allo Hope Foundation. Episode themes: Educating yourself Finding an excellent doctorPursuing other family options (sperm donation, adoption, preventat...
2022-10-251h 34The Allo PodcastBethany's Story, Part 1Host and Allo Hope Foundation founder Bethany Weathersby tells the story of Lucy, her daughter, who passed from HDFN. Her loss sparked the blog Losing Lucy and Finding Hope, which grew into a resource for alloimmunized mothers seeking help and support. Lucy’s loss gave Bethany the drive to advocate for alloimmunized moms and HDFN babies around the world, and to advocate for the lives of her future children (more on that in Part 2). Lucy’s life has continued to impact the lives of countless babies with HDFN.Note that since the time of this recording, Allo Hope...
2022-10-181h 07The Allo PodcastMyths and Management of Severe DiseaseSevere alloimmunization is surrounded by vague information and confusion, but this episode will prepare patients and providers for available treatment. Patients with previous fetal death, previous IUT before 24 weeks, or with a titer of 256 or higher may be diagnosed with severe disease. Remember, options do exist for severe situations, and prevention and monitoring are the key elements to having a healthy baby. This episode discusses IVIG and plasmapheresis, early MCA Scans and early IUTs, and phenobarbital. Episode themes: Common misconceptions about severe diseaseDefining severe diseaseDelaying IUTs with IVIG and plasmapheresis treatmentWhat to expect during IVIG and pl...
2022-10-111h 00The Allo PodcastIntrauterine Transfusions: Tank That Baby Up!Molly and Bethany discuss the when and how of intrauterine blood transfusions (IUTs). Bethany, possibly the world record holder for number of IUTs, has had 16 IUTs through her four allo affected pregnancies. IUTs come with their own risks, but in the hand of a trained and experienced doctor they are the most effective way to maintain the health of an anemic baby.Episode themes: Likelihood of needing an IUTWhen to perform an IUT (before hydrops is present)IUT procedure before, during and afterMedications used during an IUTSpacing of IUTs when multiple are requiredOutcomes of IUTs in a...
2022-10-041h 12The Allo PodcastMonitoring: Titers, MCA Scans, cffDNA and More Alphabet SoupBethany and Molly discuss how to monitor an Alloimmunized pregnancy. This is the first step to treating a sensitized pregnancy. Monitoring the antibody titer can indicate when you need MCA Scans, and intrauterine blood transfusions to keep your baby healthy. Episode themes: How babies at risk for HDFN are monitoredTiters (purpose and frequency) MCA Scans and MoM values (purpose and frequency)Specific MCA Scan tipsWhat’s next after a high MCA scanFetal outcomes and survival rates Terminology used in this episode: Antibody Titer: A measure of antibodies in the mom’s blood, indicates threat to a baby...
2022-09-2742 minThe Allo PodcastMolly's StoryIn this episode of the Allo Podcast we listen to Molly’s Story: how she found out she was alloimmunized, the steps that she took to maintain appropriate care, the pregnancies and births of her two subsequent sons, and its effect on her life and that of her family. Episode themes: Low titer alloimmunized pregnancyAnti-S; Anti E antibodies Partial D/Weak D antigenRhogamInduced vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) MiscarriageHemorrhagePain medication-free birth Delayed onset fetal anemiaAllo Hope Terminology Library https://allohopefoundation.org/library/terminology/Explanation of Weak D and Partial D and its implica...
2022-09-201h 13The Allo PodcastPrenatal Blood Tests: The First Line of DefenseTesting is the first step toward having a safe and healthy HDFN baby. This episode covers the importance of early tests that can determine how severely your baby will be affected by your antibodies. We include information about new tests, Rhogam, and how you can donate plasma to help other expectant mothers determine the antigen status of their babies. Episode themes: Standard pregnancy screening for antibodiesAntibody ID and titer blood test Blood tests for baby’s fatherCell free fetal DNA (cffDNA) for baby’s antigen statusRh Immune Globulin (Rhogam)Plasma Donation: Southern Blood Services https://souther...
2022-09-2029 minThe Allo PodcastHDFN & Alloimmunization 101Welcome to the Allo Podcast! This episode introduces our hosts, Bethany and Molly, our recurring guests from our Medical Advisory Board, the Allo Hope Foundation, and most importantly the diseases known as Maternal Alloimmunization and Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn. Get the quick facts on how to monitor and treat this disease and how Bethany, Molly, and so many moms have used these treatments to deliver healthy babies. Episode themes: Alloimmunization overviewWhat to expect in an allo pregnancyHow HDFN affects the babyHow allo moms can protect themselves and their babyTerminology used in th...
2022-09-2047 min