This episode breaks down the real financial cost of surrogacy, exposing where money actually goes, why costs are so difficult to predict, and how lack of transparency creates risk for intended parents and surrogates alike.

We examine surrogacy expenses in detail, including agency fees, legal costs, medical expenses, surrogate compensation, insurance gaps, and the financial consequences of delays, complications, or failed cycles. The conversation addresses why many intended parents enter surrogacy without a clear understanding of total cost exposure—and why “budget estimates” often collapse once the process begins.

This episode also explores how surrogacy laws and financial structures differ by country, with specific attention to systems where surrogacy is altruistic but operationally expensive. We discuss supply-and-demand imbalances, regulatory blind spots, and how good intentions do not eliminate financial risk. The episode challenges the myth that surrogacy costs are primarily driven by surrogate motivation, and instead explains how legal frameworks, agency models, and systemic inefficiencies shape pricing.

This conversation is essential for intended parents considering surrogacy, individuals comparing domestic and international options, and anyone seeking an honest financial framework for family building. It reframes surrogacy not as an emotional purchase, but as a complex financial and legal undertaking where clarity, education, and risk awareness are critical before committing.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Family Building Journeys

02:39 Navigating Surrogacy: Challenges and Choices

09:05 The Importance of Education in Surrogacy

17:00 Understanding Costs and Financial Transparency

25:00 The Role of Surrogates and Altruism in Surrogacy

35:12 Debunking Myths and Celebrating Surrogates

Takeaways

Surrogacy can be a long and challenging journey.

Education is crucial for intended parents navigating surrogacy.

Financial transparency is essential in the surrogacy process.

Surrogacy laws vary significantly between countries.

Surrogates often have altruistic motivations for helping families.

The media tends to focus on negative surrogacy stories.

Trust is a key factor in choosing a surrogacy agency.

Costs in surrogacy can be unpredictable and vary widely.

Surrogates undergo extensive screening processes before being matched.

Celebrating surrogates is important for recognizing their contributions.

NewGen Families was founded by Damien Chambers after
becoming a Parent through Surrogacy.
After many years facilitating Surrogacy journeys, we were inspired
to create a modern agency that is focused on improving the
experience for both Surrogates and Future Parents.
We are proud to say that all members of our team have between
5-12 years experience building families through Surrogacy.

"I had always wanted to be a dad."

"My journey was a long one."

"It's tough in Australia because there's a supply and demand issue."

In this episode of the IVF Daddies podcast, the host engages in a heartfelt conversation with Carey, a surrogate, exploring her journey into surrogacy, the emotional and physical challenges she faced, and the importance of mental health support throughout the process. They discuss the dynamics of being a surrogate, the relationships formed with intended parents, and the unique experiences of postpartum as a surrogate. The conversation highlights the altruistic motivations behind surrogacy and the profound impact it has on families.

Carey Flamer-Powell, Founder and Director

Carey Flamer-Powell, Founder and Director of Surrogacy Mentor, is an experienced gestational surrogate, surrogacy agency founder and surrogacy non-profit co-founder, with over a decade of experience in the surrogacy industry.​ She also currently serves as the co-Vice President of SEEDS, The Society for Ethics in Egg Donation and Surrogacy.

As the Founder and former owner of All Families Surrogacy, an award-winning gestational surrogacy agency, Carey spent 6 years helping hundreds of surrogates and parents navigate their journeys. Carey also co-founded and served as Co-President of the Oregon Surrogacy Professionals Association (OSPA), served as the LGBTQ Surrogacy Advisor for Parents Via Egg Donation (PVED), and has served on several committees for SEEDS over the years.

Carey brings her vast surrogacy expertise to Surrogacy Mentor®, in addition to over 25 years in business operations management and PR, to help surrogates find the right agency for them.

In this episode of the IVF Daddies podcast, the host engages in a heartfelt conversation with Carrie, a surrogate mother, exploring her journey into surrogacy, the emotional complexities involved, and the importance of mental health support throughout the process. Carrie shares her motivations for becoming a surrogate, the challenges of failed transfers, and the unique bond she formed with the intended parents. The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of surrogacy, emphasizing the need for strong support networks and the normalization of diverse family structures.

Takeaways

Carey's's journey into surrogacy began with her own experience of becoming a parent.

She felt a strong desire to give back after her own successful pregnancy.

Gestational surrogacy involves carrying a baby that is not genetically related to the surrogate.

Failed transfers can lead to feelings of guilt for surrogates.

A strong support network is crucial for surrogates during the process.

Mental health support is now integrated into the surrogacy process.

Surrogates often face unique social situations when explaining their role.

The bond between a surrogate and intended parents can be profound.

Surrogates do not typically feel a parental connection to the baby they carry.

The emotional recovery after birth can differ significantly for surrogates.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Surrogacy Journey

02:48 The Decision to Become a Surrogate

06:02 Understanding Gestational Surrogacy

08:55 Emotional Challenges of Failed Transfers

11:47 Mental Health Support in Surrogacy

14:57 Living Life While Pregnant for Others

18:07 The Connection with Intended Parents

21:00 Postpartum Experience as a Surrogate

23:50 Maintaining Relationships After Birth

Keywords

surrogacy, gestational surrogacy, emotional challenges, mental health, support network, intended parents, pregnancy, IVF, family dynamics, parenting

The conversation revolves around the decision of what to do with frozen embryos. The speakers discuss the ethical and emotional considerations involved in embryo donation and adoption. They explore the concept of embryos as assets versus embryos as life, and the implications of these perspectives. The conversation also touches on the benefits of embryo donation for women and LGBTQIA individuals, as well as the societal and personal factors that influence decision-making.

Takeaways

Embryo donation and adoption are options for individuals with frozen embryos who do not want to use them.

The decision of what to do with frozen embryos involves ethical and emotional considerations.

There is a distinction between viewing embryos as assets versus viewing them as life.

Embryo donation can be a more affordable option for individuals who need assistance in conceiving.

Embryo donation and adoption can empower women and LGBTQIA individuals.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Context

01:26 The Decision of What to Do with Frozen Embryos

07:25 Ethical Considerations: Embryos as Assets or Life?

14:07 Embryo Donation: Empowering Women and LGBTQIA Individuals

20:50 Embryo Donation: A More Affordable Option

24:35 The Conceptualization of Embryos

Sound Bites

"What am I going to do with them? They're currently sitting frozen."

"Giving them to somebody else to then have as a child and then to raise as a child as their own."

"Genetically, but again all a family needs is love."

Keywords

embryo donation, embryo adoption, frozen embryos, ethical considerations, emotional considerations, assets versus life

Maya, a psychotherapist and filmmaker, shares her experience with embryo donation and discusses her work with Empower with Moxie, an embryo donation organization. She explains the difference between embryo adoption and embryo donation, emphasizing the importance of education and support for individuals considering embryo donation. Maya highlights the need for a more personal and connected approach to embryo donation, where donors and recipients have the opportunity to know each other and maintain a consensual connection. She also addresses the ethical and legal implications of embryo donation and the challenges of navigating the complex landscape of fertility treatment. Moxie matching is a platform that connects embryo donors and recipients, allowing them to create profiles and find their ideal match. The platform is inclusive and provides options for single women and LGBTQ families. Moxie also offers education and support for individuals navigating embryo donation, including genetic and medical counseling. After a match is made, Moxie facilitates meetings between donors and recipients to ensure compatibility. The ownership of remaining embryos after a successful donation can either revert back to the original donors or be jointly decided by the recipients. Moxie emphasizes the importance of expanding the definition of family and providing children with access to their genetic siblings.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Safe Word

03:08 Embryo Donation as the Next Best Option

07:13 The Types of Families Donating Embryos and Their Motivations

10:13 The Paralysis of Decision-Making and the Emotional Connection to Embryos

13:13 The Difference Between Embryo Adoption and Embryo Donation

16:33 Creating a Personal and Connected Approach to Embryo Donation

21:30 The Need for Education and Support in Embryo Donation

25:33 The Landscape of Embryo Donation and the Importance of Clear Terminology

27:24 Moxie Matching: Connecting Embryo Donors and Recipients

29:15 Inclusivity in Embryo Donation: Options for Single Women and LGBTQ Families

32:56 Education and Support: Genetic and Medical Counseling for Embryo Donation

40:22 Expanding the Definition of Family: Access to Genetic Siblings

Takeaways

Embryo adoption refers to the practice of treating embryo donation as a traditional adoption, which can create legal and ethical complications.

Education and support are crucial for individuals considering embryo donation, as it is not the right choice for everyone and requires careful consideration of the emotional and psychological implications.

Empower with Moxie is an embryo donation organization that aims to provide a more personal and connected approach to embryo donation, ensuring that donors and recipients have the opportunity to know each other and maintain a consensual connection.

The platform is inclusive and provides options for single women and LGBTQ families.

Moxie offers education and support for individuals navigating embryo donation, including genetic and medical counseling.

After a successful donation, the ownership of remaining embryos can either revert back to the original donors or be jointly decided by the recipients.

Maya is the CEO and co-founder of ⁠EM•POWER with Moxi⁠, a company focused on education, support and matching/logistics for directed embryo donation. She is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and⁠ psychotherapist⁠ in the field of reproductive medicine and a fertility advocate. Several years ago, Maya and her TV producer husband Noah made a feature length film documenting their tumultuous journey to parenthood, which ended with the birth of their daughter who was conceived via embryo donation. The film, called ⁠One More Shot⁠, debuted on Netflix in January 2018 and is now available on Amazon Prime. 

EM•POWER with Moxi:  ⁠www.empowerwithmoxi.com/⁠ IG: empowerwithmoxi  FB:@empowerwithmoxi 

One More Shot: ⁠http://www.onemoreshotfilm.com/⁠

In this episode, the Julio and Richard discuss the topic of twins, as they themselves are parents of twins. They explore the concept of twins in the context of IVF and surrogacy, discussing the reasons why some people choose to have twins and the risks associated with twin pregnancies. They also delve into the different types of twins, such as identical and fraternal twins, and the various ways in which twins can be conceived. The hosts also touch on the importance of reproductive rights and the impact of the upcoming US elections on these rights.

Keywords

twins, IVF, surrogacy, risks, types of twins, reproductive rights, US elections

Takeaways

The hosts share their personal experience of having twins through IVF and surrogacy.

Twin pregnancies are riskier than single pregnancies, and there are potential risks for both the surrogate and the babies.

The definition of twins can vary, but the hosts believe that twins are embryos that are carried by the same person at the same time.

The decision to have twins is influenced by factors such as cost, success rates, and the desire for siblings to grow up together.

Reproductive rights and the ability to make choices about one's own body are important issues, especially in the context of IVF and surrogacy.

Sound Bites

"Today we're going to be talking about twins."

"If you get two embryos and then you put in the same surrogate, they're twins."

"Anybody telling a woman what they can do to their body is wrong."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Exploring the World of Twins

06:18 Understanding the Risks and Considerations of Twin Pregnancies

08:13 Different Types of Twins: Identical vs. Fraternal

11:26 Defining Twins: Carried by the Same Person at the Same Time

14:20 Factors Influencing the Decision to Have Twins

26:16 The Importance of Reproductive Rights in IVF and Surrogacy

Titles

Factors Influencing the Decision to Have Twins

Exploring the World of Twins in IVF and Surrogacy

In this episode, Julio and Richard discuss the topic of formula feeding for babies. They share their personal experiences and address common questions and misconceptions surrounding formula feeding. They also touch on the stigma associated with formula feeding and the availability of different types of formula. The conversation concludes with a discussion on diapers and the importance of having support and guidance during the early stages of parenthood.

Keywords

formula feeding, breast milk, breastfeeding, stigma, surrogate, nutrition, baby care, diapers

Takeaways

Formula feeding is a common and valid choice for parents who are unable or choose not to breastfeed.

There is a stigma surrounding formula feeding, but it is important to respect the choices and preferences of individual parents.

Formula comes in different stages for different ages, and there are various options available, including vegan formulas.

Breast milk can be donated or purchased from breast milk banks, but it is ultimately up to the surrogate or birth parent to decide if they want to pump breast milk.

Having support and guidance, such as a maternity nurse, can be invaluable for new parents navigating the world of formula feeding and baby care.

Demystifying Formula Feeding: A Valid Choice for Parents

Breast Milk Options: Donating, Pumping, and Breast Milk Banks

Sound Bites

"Did you give your twins breast milk or formula? I was like, no, it was obvious."

"Is milk food? For a baby, there's not a lot to chew until a certain age."

"Breast is best. Trying to promote breastfeeding and all those different things."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: The Question of Formula Feeding

07:05 Is Milk Food? Understanding the Role of Formula

10:59 The Stigma and Promotion of Breastfeeding

18:28 The Taste of Breast Milk and Formula Ingredients

25:09 Exploring the Composition of Formula

26:28 Potty Training and the Importance of Support

Cynthia, an embryologist and now working with a technology company, TMRW Life Science discusses the need for tools and technology to improve safety and scale in the embryology lab. She emphasizes the importance of ensuring the chain of custody and specimen record for patients. Cynthia also highlights the role of technology in selecting the best sperm and eggs for successful IVF cycles. She explains the challenges faced by clinics in managing the influx of patients seeking egg freezing and the need for operational efficiency. Cynthia discusses the potential of AI algorithms and ultrasound technology to improve efficiency and reduce costs in fertility clinics.

Keywords

embryology lab, safety, scale, chain of custody, specimen record, technology, sperm selection, egg selection, operational efficiency, AI algorithms, ultrasound technology, cost reduction

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Cynthia's Background

01:27 Improving Safety and Scale in the Embryology Lab

06:13 The Role of Technology in Sperm and Egg Selection

10:03 Challenges and Opportunities in Egg Freezing

17:44 The Potential of AI Algorithms and Ultrasound Technology in Fertility Clinics

Takeaways

Tools and technology are needed to improve safety and scale in the embryology lab, ensuring the chain of custody and specimen record for patients.

Technology plays a crucial role in selecting the best sperm and eggs for successful IVF cycles.

Clinics face challenges in managing the influx of patients seeking egg freezing and the need for operational efficiency.

AI algorithms and ultrasound technology have the potential to improve efficiency and reduce costs in fertility clinics.

Sound Bites

"We need to build some technology and introduce tools to better secure the audit trail, better secure the chain of custody."

"By culturing embryos longer, we have dramatically improved the chances of success per attempt."

"The quality of the sperm is just as important as the quality of the egg."

In this episode, Richard and Julio are joined by Cindy, a top surrogacy lawyer in Canada, to discuss her personal story of having a transgender child. They explore the challenges faced by both the child and the parents, the importance of support and understanding, and the need for education and acceptance. Cindy shares her experiences with her child's school and friends, as well as the emotional toll it can take on both the child and the parents. The conversation emphasizes the need for empathy, grace, and open communication within families.

Keywords

transgender, surrogacy, parenting, support, acceptance, education, mental health

Takeaways

Support and understanding are crucial for transgender children and their parents.

Parents should seek out resources and support networks to navigate the challenges of having a transgender child.

Open communication and empathy within families can help create a safe and accepting environment.

It is important to give oneself grace as a parent and understand that mistakes will be made along the way.

Titles

Supporting Transgender Children: A Parent's Perspective

Navigating the Challenges of Parenting a Transgender Child

Sound Bites

"Lennox goes to an all girls school. How have they handled this situation as an institution? And also how have Lennox's friends handled this?"

"Has Lennox ever come to you thinking about the prospect that all this is too much, that the change is too much, is debilitating emotionally, physically, and then mentioned anything to do with suicide or anything like that?"

"Parents, children, anybody going through any struggles, you're not alone. You're not alone."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:25 The Changing Landscape of Acceptance

03:22 Supporting a Transgender Child

05:11 Finding Support and Resources

08:32 Understanding and Articulating Gender Identity

12:34 Navigating Pronouns and Name Changes

16:19 Dealing with Resistance and Lack of Support

18:41 Supportive School and Friends

21:23 Taking Time for Decision-Making

23:17 Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

25:58 Accessing Support Services

27:13 The Importance of Community and Education

31:03 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode, Richard and Julio discuss the topic of vulnerability and what it means to be a family. They touch on the anxiety and challenges they face as a blended family, including the reactions of others and the pressure to say and do the right things. They also explore the importance of celebrating love and kindness, and the rewards and sacrifices of parenting. The conversation delves into the complexities of being a stepparent and the impact on both the children and the parents involved. Overall, the episode highlights the personal struggles and growth that come with navigating relationships and family dynamics.

Being a stepparent is a challenging role that requires patience, compromise, and balancing multiple responsibilities.

The definition of family is fluid and can vary for each individual and situation.

Parenting is hard and comes with its own set of anxieties and self-doubt, but the rewards are immeasurable.

It is important to celebrate love and kindness and to support and uplift each other as parents and family members.

vulnerability, family, blended family, anxiety, challenges, reactions, love, kindness, parenting, stepparent, rewards, sacrifices, relationships, family dynamics

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Vulnerability and the Meaning of Family

09:48 The Challenges and Rewards of Being a Stepparent

23:55 Celebrating Love and Kindness in Family Dynamics

Sound Bites

"What makes a kid yours? When it came from their mouth when they said that they feel like they have three parents."

"I need to become obsolete in my children's lives as a parent. And that's when my job has been done properly, when they don't need me, but they want me."

"Parenting is really hard. It's not a walk in the park and the reward is exponential."

In this episode of IVFDADDIES, Julio and Richard discuss the topic of sperm donation and the options available for individuals or couples who need a sperm donor to start a family. They highlight the importance of empowering people to make their own choices and challenge the stigma surrounding sperm donation. The hosts also mention the portrayal of sperm donation in reality TV shows and the need for more education and support for those considering this route. They touch on the process of sperm donation, the different options available, and the importance of reducing inflammation for successful pregnancies.

Takeaways

Sperm donation is a valid option for individuals or couples who need a sperm donor to start a family.

There is a need to empower people and challenge the stigma surrounding sperm donation.

Reality TV shows can provide some insight into the process of sperm donation, but more education and support are needed.

The process of sperm donation involves choosing a sperm donor, purchasing vials of sperm, and using methods like intrauterine insemination (IUI) to conceive.

Reducing inflammation through methods like hyperbaric chambers can increase the chances of successful pregnancies.

sperm donation, options, empowerment, stigma, reality TV, education, support, process, inflammation

Sound Bites

"We're empowering people, we're empowering women."

"Why not go, oh my gosh, that's amazing. How can we support you in that?"

"You'll end up with a family one way or another. It may not be the one you thought you were going to have, but the options are there."

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