Show Notes
This episode is your all-access pass to the real surrogacy questions people are too afraid to ask—or don’t know they should. From choosing a clinic and evaluating surrogates to understanding rematch policies, legal logistics, and even inducing lactation—Dr. Alyssa Small Layne brings her unique perspective as both an OB/GYN and a two-time intended parent through surrogacy. You’ll hear real questions from the community, broken down with clarity, honesty, and lived experience. If you’ve ever wondered “is this normal?” or “what should I be doing differently?”—this conversation is for you. What You’ll Learn: 01:38 — How to start the surrogacy process if you're using your own eggs
04:57 — What to ask during your very first agency consult
07:03 — The six non-negotiable values you and your surrogate must align on
11:49 — Why red flags aren’t just about medical history, but values too
12:26 — How to evaluate surrogate profiles (real examples included!)
16:32 — What to do if your surrogate backs out and you haven’t been rematched
19:24 — Why FDA testing requirements confuse international intended parents
23:09 — How carrier screening works—and when it should happen
24:54 — Can you do a DNA test after birth if you have doubts?
28:17 — Is it possible to induce lactation without medication?
31:10 — Can your surrogate deliver in a different city or state?
Resources Mentioned:
Free Surrogacy Starter Kit
ASRM guidelines: Recommendations for practices using gestational carriers: A committee opinion
Surrogate vetting essentials
BloomBridge Surrogacy App: https://gojunie.com/solutions/bloombridge
Key Takeaways: You deserve better than agencies showing unqualified surrogates
Rematch policies matter—ask before you sign
International parents face extra testing rules, but there are workarounds
Early planning prevents delivery chaos—especially across state lines
Your questions are valid, and asking them protects your baby and your peace of mind
Loved this Q&A format? Let us know your surrogacy questions for future episodes or explore the BloomBridge app for vetted tools, agency lists, and insider insights to guide every step of your journey. “You’re not fumbling in the dark. You’re not at the mercy of the system. You’re the parent building your family—and you're going to get there.”
More from Surrogacy Made Simple
The holidays can feel like the brightest spotlight on what’s missing—especially when intended parents are still waiting, longing, or grieving their path to parenthood. Scrolling through social feeds packed with family celebrations, facing sensitive questions from relatives, or enduring pregnancy announcements at festive gatherings can sting in ways few people understand. It’s exhausting to keep showing up, pretending, or shrinking yourself just to survive the season. But you don’t have to go through it alone or unprepared. In this episode, Alyssa Small Layne shares 8 practical, compassionate strategies to protect your emotional and financial wellbeing, set boundaries without guilt, and create tiny moments of comfort and control—even before your baby arrives. 🎧 Press play and discover how to make holidays survivable, honest, and even full of hope. What You’ll Learn: 02:23 — Why the holidays amplify grief, longing, and comparison for intended parents 07:14 — How to decide your level of participation and give yourself permission to opt out 08:55 — The power of having a “safe person” at every gathering 11:31 — Scripts for handling nosy, insensitive holiday questions about surrogacy or infertility 13:12 — Creating exit plans and time limits to save energy at hard events 16:27 — Handling pregnancy announcements without falling apart 19:48 — Building new traditions—even ones focused on your future child 22:00 — Special tips for navigating surrogacy during the holidays—whether matched or still waiting 24:53 — How to honor both your emotional and financial budget while building your family Resources Mentioned: BloomBridge Surrogacy App
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