Navigating surrogacy can feel like chasing breadcrumbs across the internet—time-consuming, frustrating, and overwhelming. You’ve waited long enough to grow your family. That’s why Surrogacy Made Simple exists.

Hosted by Dr. Alyssa Small Layne, a board-certified OB-GYN and mom through surrogacy, this podcast has become the go-to resource for unbiased, practical advice. And after 42 episodes, we’re celebrating an incredible first year with a special look back at 2024.

This episode is packed with lessons, expert insights, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and stress. Whether you’re just starting out or already deep in your surrogacy journey, these highlights will empower you to take the next step with confidence.

🎧 Stop hunting for answers. Listen to the full episode now to take control of your surrogacy journey!

Subscribe today to stay updated on new episodes and exciting resources, including the upcoming launch of BloomBridge Plus in 2025!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“I love Alyssa and Surrogacy Made Simple.” <– If that sounds like you, please do me a favor by rating and reviewing the show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to have a great experience with surrogacy. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Links mentioned in the episode 

Surrogacy Starter Kit

BloomBridge Surrogacy App 

#3 The Surprising Hidden Fees of All-Inclusive Surrogacy

#4 The High Cost of Hope: Tackling the financial burden of surrogacy

 #5 Your First Meeting with a Surrogate: 6 Key Topics You Must Cover to Prevent a Broken Match (tied for most listened)

#25 Understanding Surrogacy Timelines: What to Expect and How to Prepare (tied for most listened)

#7/#8 13 Surprising truths about surrogacy that may be holding you back

#19/#20 From Picture Perfect To The ICU – One Surrogate’s Story

SEAM Escrow Scandal

#18 Surrogacy Nightmare: Find Out if Your Money is at Risk!

#21/#22 When good surrogacy money advice goes wrong – Arielle Mitton

Safe Surrogacy: 6 Insider Tips to Avoid Scams and Pitfalls  Premium Video Training

#16/#17 Viral Social Media Insider Tips For the Best Surrogacy Matches- with Baden Colt

#28 How to Bond with Baby During and After Surrogacy

#34 The best way to bring baby home after surrogacy

#37/#38 Is embryo donation right for you? an IVF mom’s unique choice – Ashley Herring

#12/#13 Surprising Secrets Of Inducing Lactation For Surrogacy

Need to pack your hospital bag for your surrogacy journey without losing your mind?

Let’s face it—packing for the hospital as an intended parent is not quite like other parents. There’s so much to think about when you’re expecting a baby in this way. Plus, hospital stays can be longer and more unpredictable than expected, leaving you drained if you’re unprepared.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it out alone or spend hours stressing over what to pack.

In this episode of Surrogacy Made Simple, we’re breaking down everything you need to pack your hospital bag with confidence. You’ll learn exactly what you need (and what you don’t), so you can focus on what really matters—welcoming your baby into the world.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Imagine this: no last-minute scrambling, no overpacking or forgetting crucial items—just calm confidence as you head to the hospital, ready to meet your baby.

Click play now to take the stress out of packing and step into parenthood prepared.And don’t forget to download the checklist on the Bloombridge Surrogacy app for even more peace of mind.

🎧 This episode is your essential guide to stress-free packing. Tune in today!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“I love Alyssa and Surrogacy Made Simple.” <– If that sounds like you, please do me a favor by rating and reviewing the show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to have a great experience with surrogacy. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Links mentioned in the episode 

Surrogacy Starter Kit

BloomBridge Surrogacy App

Surrogacy Made Simple #34 The best way to bring baby home after surrogacy

Choosing a surrogacy agency is one of the most critical decisions you'll make on your journey to parenthood. With so many options out there, how do you narrow them down? How do you avoid the delays, unexpected costs, and stress that can come from picking the wrong agency?

In this episode of Surrogacy Made Simple, we dive into the essential questions to ask a surrogacy agency to help you make the best choice for your unique journey. Whether you're a first-time intended parent or re-evaluating your options, this episode is packed with practical advice to ensure you're confident in your decision.

What you'll learn in this episode:

Why this episode matters:Not all surrogacy agencies are created equal, and the wrong choice could lead to delays, skyrocketing costs, or an unsupported journey. By asking the right questions, you can avoid these pitfalls and feel confident in your decision.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

If you're ready to take control of your surrogacy experience, tune in now to learn the questions to ask a surrogacy agency and start your journey with clarity and confidence.

👉 Listen now!

What if you could save $50,000 on surrogacy while still having a safe, successful journey? 

Choosing independent surrogacy might just be the answer. But is it the right fit for you? In this episode, we’ll explore the pros and cons of independent surrogacy, helping you decide if it’s the path to making your dreams of parenthood a reality.

You’ll hear:

00:55 Why Independent Surrogacy Feels Scary

02:02 The Truth Agencies Don’t Want You to Know

03:56 What Is Independent Surrogacy?

09:53 Why We Chose Independent Surrogacy

17:20 The Biggest Pro: Saving Money

24:06 The Hard Truths: Independent Surrogacy Challenges

28:35 Junie’s Digital Surrogacy Toolkit - Resources designed to make independent surrogacy easier, safer, and faster.

Think agencies are the only way to surrogacy? Turns out, it's not always the right choice! Discover why.

Take the first step toward your surrogacy journey. Hit play and discover how you can make your dream of parenthood a reality, on your own terms.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“I love Alyssa and Surrogacy Made Simple.” <– If that sounds like you, please do me a favor by rating and reviewing the show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to have a great experience with surrogacy. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Links mentioned in the episode 

Junie’s Digital Surrogacy Toolkit:

BloomBridge Surrogacy App 

The Surrogacy Blueprint Course

Surrogacy Vetting Essentials Guide

5 Little Known Secrets to a Quick Match - That agencies don’t tell you

Safe Surrogacy 6 Insider Tips to Avoid Scams and Pitfalls (video training)

One on One Surrogacy Intro Session (Free)

Other links:

SMS #14 Independent Surrogacy Steps: How to Save $50,000 and Take Control of Your Dream

Surrogate Identity Quiz - Your unique surrogate personality 

Surrogacy Starter Kit

Should you send your surrogate and her family to Disney?

Or buy them a new car as a thank you?

It’s hard to know what’s normal in the world of surrogacy.  You don’t want to come off as cheap or unappreciative. This incredible woman is carrying your child afterall. You’ve probably heard stories of lavish gifts and extravagant vacations from thankful parents, and it makes you feel that you must keep up to show you care. 

Do you have to dig even deeper into your pockets to show you’re grateful?

There’s a lot of pressure and it can make you uncomfortable. So today we’re talking about gifting and surrogacy, and why it’s so problematic.  Find out how to manage expectations and discover thoughtful and meaningful alternatives to grand gestures.

We dive into:

Episode Breakdown: 

00:00 The truth about extravagant surrogacy gifts: Are they setting unrealistic expectations?

04:03 Surrogacy can make you feel emotionally indebted

08:01 Who’s the blame for this peer pressure to overspend on surrogate gifts?

11:56 How surrogacy agencies have normalized luxurious gift expectations 

16:33 Surrogacy should be more about compassion than financial gain.

19:02 Understanding your surrogate’s “surrogate identity” enhances the surrogacy journey.

23:00 8 ways to show your appreciation to your surrogate without breaking the bank.

Simple Fact: It may feel like gifting your surrogate a car is the best way to show your gratitude. But what if the best gift doesn’t cost anything at all?

If you're feeling the strain of surrogacy gifting expectations, this podcast episode is a must-listen. It’s packed with insights and alternatives that will help you show your appreciation in heartfelt ways without unnecessary financial stress. Listen now to relieve the pressure and make your surrogacy journey more joyful and fulfilling!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“I love Alyssa and Surrogacy Made Simple.” <– If that sounds like you, please do me a favor by rating and reviewing the show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to have a great experience with surrogacy. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Links mentioned in the episode 

Surrogacy Starter Kit

BloomBridge Surrogacy App 

Confused about how to pick the perfect fertility clinic for your surrogacy journey? Let’s fix that! 

What you need in a clinic for regular IVF isn’t the same as a clinic for surrogacy. 

Choosing the right fertility clinic can make or break your surrogacy experience—and your budget! There are some things you should look for before you commit. In today’s episode, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of picking a clinic that’s perfect for you.

Inside this episode:

Ready to pick the right fertility clinic for your surrogacy? Hit play and let’s get into it! 

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“I love Alyssa and Surrogacy Made Simple.” <– If that sounds like you, please do me a favor by rating and reviewing the show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to have a great experience with surrogacy. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Links mentioned in the episode 

Surrogacy Starter Kit

BloomBridge Surrogacy App 

Surrogacy Intro Session - Free intro strategy call with Alyssa

Should you risk shipping embryos for surrogacy to a new clinic? Episode #11

Finding the Right Match for Your Embryo Donation Journey

Going through embryo donation is an incredibly personal and sometimes overwhelming experience. With so many choices—whether to use an agency or pursue a private match, finding a family who shares your values, and deciding how much communication you want with the family and future child—it’s easy to feel lost. 

You can begin this process full of hope but find yourself discouraged when the initial matches or agency experiences aren’t what you were looking for. 

But there’s hope. What if you could hear from someone who's been through it all and can show you the ropes? 

This is part 2 of our conversation with Ashley Herring, a mom who chose to donate her 12 embryos after IVF.  

Think you can't find the perfect match for embryo donation? You're wrong. Hear how Ashley did it after over 300 hopeful families reached out! 

Join us for practical strategies and essential tips.

Key Moments in This Episode

Having a successful embryo donation match is about more than finding any family; it’s about finding the right family.

Through her story, Ashley reveals how aligning values, setting clear expectations, and trusting your instincts can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding experience for both donor and recipient families.

If you're ready to learn how to approach embryo donation with clarity and purpose, tune in to this episode of the “Surrogacy Made Simple Podcast.”

Listen now and take your next steps toward a meaningful embryo donation match!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“I love Alyssa and Surrogacy Made Simple.” <– If that sounds like you, please do me a favor by rating and reviewing the show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to have a great experience with surrogacy. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Links mentioned in the episode 

Surrogacy Starter Kit

BloomBridge Surrogacy App (iOS) 
Ashley Herring - Instagram

What do you do with extra embryos?

Your family’s finally complete, and it took a tremendous journey to get here, didnt it? Yet, there's one more decision looming over you. A deeply personal one that could impact your family’s life for years to come. What will you do with the extra embryos?

Ashley Herring was once in your shoes, facing this exact decision.

Now… What would you do with 12 remaining embryos? 

That’s what our guest, Ashley Herring’s, was faced with.  

Listen as she shares:

06:34 Infertility struggles, shame, financial hardship

16:47 What it feels like to finally complete your family 

19:47 Embryo donation - the road less traveled 

23:55 The difference between embryo donation and embryo adoption

26:59 Clinics and agencies that weren't aligned with her values

32:03 Being overwhelmed with hundreds of hopeful parents for her embryos

If you believe embryo donation is the right path but feel uncertain about the process, then tune in to uncover Ashley’s incredible story.

This podcast episode is a must-listen. Hear Ashley Herring’s story and gain insights that can guide you through this complex process. Don't miss out on this invaluable advice—tune in now!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“I love Alyssa and Surrogacy Made Simple.” <– If that sounds like you, please do me a favor by rating and reviewing the show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to have a great experience with surrogacy. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Links mentioned in the episode 

Surrogacy Starter Kit

BloomBridge Surrogacy App (iOS) 

Ashley Herring - Instagram

Surrogacy-friendly insurance isn’t enough.

Finding insurance to cover surrogacy expenses can be tricky and “liens” make it worse. If you pick wrong, you could end up with a mountain of bills. 

A surrogacy lien is where you have to pay money back to the insurance company because they covered health expenses for a surrogate. 

This might leave you wondering, "What's the point of using these insurances at all?"

Well, thankfully, there are options to avoid these costs, and that's what we're talking about today.

This is part 2 of our chat with Sarah Paige of ARTRisk. She’s sharing everything you need to know about surrogacy insurance liens.

In This Episode, You Will Learn: 

00:00 - States with great surrogacy laws but costly liens. 

06:14 - Why more intended parents are avoiding California

10:32 - Details about the new bill that could change insurance for surrogates, affecting millions in California. 

17:09 - If you want to fight back against insurance liens, then join this Alliance 

25:03 - A special program for independent matches looking for insurance guidance

If you want to avoid financial pitfalls in surrogacy, then you must understand these lien policies.

Don't miss out on this episode—hit play and discover how to make your surrogacy journey smoother and more affordable! 🎧

 Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“I love Alyssa and Surrogacy Made Simple.” <– If that sounds like you, please do me a favor by rating and reviewing the show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to have a great experience with surrogacy. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Links mentioned in the episode 

Surrogacy Starter Kit

ART Risk Solutions

IAE Alliance website

What you need to know about surrogacy insurance liens 

We’re on the heels of another Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment period. Open enrollment starts November 1st and closes January 15th. Missing this window makes it tough to get a good policy for surrogacy if you need one. 

Does your surrogate need surrogacy-friendly insurance?

Now’s the time to find her a plan.

If you’re taken our Surrogacy Blueprint course, done your research, or have a stellar agency, then you’re probably waiting for this time. 

But here’s the catch: not all insurance is suitable for surrogacy. 

Some plans come with hidden restrictions called liens. Surrogacy insurance liens might cost you an extra $40,000 or more! 

In the worst-case scenario, you could pay double your surrogate’s compensation.

As more insurance companies add these surrogacy insurance liens, this problem is growing. If you’re entering open enrollment hoping to find the right plan, you need to listen up.

Today we’re sitting down with Sarah Paige from ART Risk to for expert tips on what these liens really mean for your surrogacy experience

Don’t let hidden costs and liens derail your plans. Listen to this episode for essential guidance and expert advice going into ACA open enrollment period

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“I love Alyssa and Surrogacy Made Simple.” <– If that sounds like you, please do me a favor by rating and reviewing the show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to have a great experience with surrogacy. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Links mentioned in the episode 

Surrogacy Starter Kit

ART Risk Solutions