Dr. Alyssa Small Layne digs into why Bloomberg’s “IVF Disrupted” resonated so widely and what it reveals about the modern fertility industry. She explains how a specialty that once covered broad reproductive care narrowed to one core product—IVF—then absorbed private-equity incentives and startup-style operations. The result can be speed over safeguards, glossy lobbies over lab quality, and patients left guessing about real risk.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to look past marketing, ask process-focused questions, and spot profit-driven decisions before they shape your care. Press play to learn how to evaluate clinics with clarity and confidence.

What You’ll Learn:

 03:14 — How REI shifted from medicine to marketing

04:50 — Why private equity targets IVF clinics

06:52 — How fast growth leads to dangerous mistakes

08:20 — Real cases of embryo mix-ups and clinic errors

14:30 — The lab procedures you never get to see

16:50 — Why clinics reject patients to protect success rates

17:34 — Add-on procedures that increase cost but not outcomes

19:39 — How intended parents can push for industry change

Resources Mentioned:

• BloomBridge Surrogacy App

• SMS#47 Hidden Risks of PGT-A Testing in IVF and Surrogacy - Allison Freeman

• IVF disrupted: The Kindbody story

Key Takeaways:

• A narrow, procedure-driven model can sideline safety and transparency.

• Lobby aesthetics never substitute for validated lab processes and controls.

• Profit incentives may shape add-ons, timelines, and who performs procedures.

• Ask precise, process-focused questions to evaluate real clinic safeguards.

Choosing or re-evaluating a clinic? Use today’s questions to assess lab quality, staffing, and add-on recommendations—then press play for the full guide.

“Don’t judge care by the lobby. Ask how the lab protects your embryos.”

You’ve waited, hoped, and dreamed—and now your baby is coming home. But what happens next?

In this episode, Dr. Alyssa Small Layne sits down with postpartum coach and doula Jaquie Dason to talk about the emotional, physical, and mental transition that happens after surrogacy. From bonding fears and sleep anxiety to preparing your home (and heart) for life with a newborn, Jaquie shares the practical tools and emotional truths every intended parent should know—especially those feeling nervous, unsure, or overwhelmed by the “what now?”

Jaquie also shares her own unique connection to the surrogacy world—she was born through traditional surrogacy herself—and what that means for the way she supports families today.

What You’ll Learn:

• 00:50 — Why bonding fears are normal for parents through surrogacy

• 02:28 — What postpartum advice isn’t being passed down anymore

• 04:13 — Safe sleep myths from older generations (and how to update them)

• 06:17 — Why surrogacy parents may struggle more with sleep loss

• 08:07 — Creating a surrogacy-specific parenting course

• 09:31 — How to build secure attachment even without pregnancy

• 11:15 — What “secure attachment” means—and how to create it

• 13:06 — Understanding newborn cues: hunger, overstimulation, and more

• 14:07 — Dunstan Baby Language and how sounds reveal baby needs

• 15:08 — Why confidence grows when you understand your baby

• 17:27 — Why instinct alone isn’t enough—you need tools

• 19:01 — The #1 thing parents over-prepare for (hint: it’s not knowledge)

• 21:06 — Jaquie’s birth story as a child of traditional surrogacy

• 23:51 — On bonding without breastfeeding: “My mom didn’t, and we were incredibly close”

• 26:33 — What it felt like to meet her birth mom

• 30:40 — How to talk to your child about their surrogacy story

• 32:23 — The best book for toddlers learning how babies are made

• 33:50 — Why traditional surrogacy still deserves clarity and respect

• 34:44 — The truth about spoiling your newborn (you can’t!)

• 35:43 — Sleep strategies that work—within 24-hour cycles

• 36:39 — How to ask for help (and why you absolutely should)

• 37:42 — Final advice for anxious intended parents preparing to bring home baby
  

Resources Mentioned:

• Surrogacy Step-By-Step Guide
• BloomBridge Surrogacy App

Jaquie Dason

• https://www.postpartumcoaching.ca

• Instagram: @jaquiepostpartumcoach

• What makes a baby - Book
  

Key Takeaways:

• Secure attachment is created through compassion, response, and connection—not pregnancy

• Bonding is possible and powerful, no matter how your baby arrives

• Tools like newborn cue recognition and postpartum support reduce fear and increase confidence

• You don’t have to do this alone—and you were never meant to
  

If you're preparing to bring home your baby, give yourself permission to get support. Explore Jaquie’s surrogacy-specific parenting course. Use BloomBridge to build your fourth-trimester toolkit.

“You can’t spoil a newborn. They need love, holding, and support—just like you do.”

When you’ve been through surrogacy once, everything changes the second time around.

In this deeply personal episode, Dr. Alyssa Small Layne shares what she and her family are doing differently on their second surrogacy journey—and how those changes can help you avoid common setbacks, delays, and disappointments.

From choosing not to rush, to using the Surrogacy First Six, to prioritizing proximity and emotional alignment over speed, this episode is a masterclass in intentional surrogacy planning.

Whether you’re just starting out or already navigating your second (or third) journey, Alyssa walks you through 10 key things they’re doing differently—and why BloomBridge was built to simplify it all for other parents.

What You’ll Learn:

• 00:52 — Why they’re building BloomBridge while doing surrogacy again

• 03:36 — The first time vs second time: what they wish they knew

• 05:18 — What their “200-page Google Doc” turned into

• 07:50 — Why DIY surrogacy research wastes more than time

• 08:28 — New approach to matching with surrogates through BloomBridge

• 09:31 — Why compatibility scores and ID verification matter

• 11:21 — How they’re preparing potential surrogates before matching

• 12:12 — Why they’re not using a traditional agency—and how concierge support might replace it

• 13:18 — Clarifying that BloomBridge supports both independent and agency-based paths

• 14:49 — How the Surrogacy First Six became a filter to prevent misalignment

• 16:45 — The power of saying no and being picky

• 17:28 — Why proximity (driving distance) now matters more than ever

• 20:12 — The “small red flag” story they ignored last time (and now won’t)

• 21:20 — Why they’re using escrow this time—and how it avoids financial conflict

• 22:40 — Alyssa’s healing experience with induced lactation after hysterectomy

• 24:32 — The push present she wishes she had: a postpartum doula

• 27:26 — What a great doula actually did for their family

• 30:17 — Why nutrition planning with Green Chef became their postpartum secret weapon

• 33:30 — What this second journey is really about: doing it better—and doing it for you, too
  

Resources Mentioned:

(Note- This post includes an affiliate link. That means if you try Green Chef through our link, we may receive a small thank-you commission—at no extra cost to you. We only share things we genuinely use and recommend.)

• BloomBridge Surrogacy App

• View Our Public Intended Parent Profile (please share)

• Free Box of Green Chef (affiliate link)

• Surrogate Vetting Essentials Guide

Thinking about surrogacy—or doing it again? 💡 Start where Alyssa did this time: with BloomBridge. 💻 Create your free profile, explore vetted surrogates, and plan your next steps with tools built for you.

“We’re still living the story, but now—as we walk—we’re creating the map.”

Double embryo transfer (DET) is often discouraged in surrogacy—but are there ever exceptions?

In this follow-up to their powerful SET vs. DET conversation, Dr. Alyssa Small Layne welcomes back Dr. Erica Bove to explore the rare—but real—cases where two embryos might be transferred into a surrogate. Together, they explore age-based ASRM guidelines, the impact of embryo quality, endometriosis, failed cycles, and how patient history can influence decision-making.

They also discuss surrogate qualifications, uterine environment, legal contracts, and the emotional nuances that make this one of the most complex decisions in modern family-building.

What You’ll Learn:

• 00:50 — Why single embryo transfer (SET) is still the gold standard

• 02:04 — The ASRM exceptions for older eggs, day-3 embryos, or poor prognosis

• 04:21 — How genetic testing changes the equation completely

• 05:30 — 30–50% twin risk with two euploid embryos

• 06:13 — Why most OBs are still “twitchy” about DET—even in IVF

• 07:09 — Whether failed transfers or miscarriages justify DET

• 08:13 — The miscarriage data no one talks about with twins

• 09:08 — Endometriosis and embryo quality—even in a new uterus

• 10:42 — Whether surrogate height or twin history matter (data vs assumptions)

• 12:22 — Why surrogacy matching must include detailed contracts and expectations

• 14:35 — The role of values, identity, and support in surrogacy decision-making

• 16:44 — Why traditional fertility support groups don’t always work for surrogacy parents

• 18:51 — The need for dedicated surrogate-focused support and coaching

• 21:57 — The unseen stress surrogates face—and why they deserve emotional support too

• 23:46 — How Dr. Bove’s coaching changed her practice and patient relationships

• 26:52 — The #1 message Dr. Bove wants every intended parent to remember
  

Resources Mentioned:

• Surrogate Vetting Essentials⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠BloomBridge Surrogacy App⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠ASRM Guidelines⁠⁠⁠
• Dr Erica Bove- ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Even in rare cases, DET requires deep evaluation of egg quality, age, history, and uterine environment

• PGT-A tested embryos dramatically raise the chance of twins—up to 50%

• Height and prior twin deliveries may be helpful—but evidence is still anecdotal

• Legal contracts and clear emotional support plans are critical in complex surrogacy cases

• Surrogates deserve emotional care—not just medical clearance
  

Planning your embryo transfer? 📱 Use BloomBridge to plan your full journey—transfers, timelines, and emotional support included.

“More efficient isn’t always safer. A single embryo transfer is still the best path to a healthy baby.”

Should you transfer one embryo—or two?

In this episode, Dr. Alyssa Small Layne sits down with reproductive endocrinologist and OB/GYN Dr. Erica Bove to talk about one of the most emotionally charged and medically controversial decisions in IVF and surrogacy: single vs. double embryo transfer (SET vs DET).

From real-life patient stories to hard NICU truths, Dr. Bove shares why many doctors are urging families to think twice about twin pregnancies—even if they seem like the faster or more affordable option. You’ll learn about the hidden risks, financial trade-offs, ethical gray zones, and what ASRM guidelines actually say about embryo transfer in surrogacy cases.

This conversation is especially important for intended parents considering transferring more than one embryo—and for those who think “more is better.”

What You’ll Learn:

• 00:52 — What SET and DET really mean in IVF and surrogacy

• 03:59 — Why multiple embryo transfer used to be standard practice

• 05:49 — Does transferring two embryos give you a better chance?

• 07:29 — The financial argument for DET—and its hidden flaws

• 08:32 — The emotional cost of doing surrogacy twice

• 10:53 — What if each parent wants a biologically related child?

• 12:47 — Why OB/GYNs “twitch” when patients ask for DET

• 13:50 — The hard facts about twin pregnancies: early births, NICU stays, and long-term disability

• 16:14 — Why twins are medically riskier for both the surrogate and the babies

• 17:04 — What the ASRM guidelines recommend—and why

• 19:26 — What you’re really signing up for when you choose DET

• 20:02 — How embryo splitting can lead to unexpected triplets or quadruplets

• 21:55 — Real stories of selective reduction—and the emotional toll

• 23:08 — How medical ethics come into play when DET is requested

• 24:57 — When double embryo transfer might be considered (and who decides)

  
  

Resources Mentioned:

• ⁠Surrogate vetting essentials⁠⁠

• ⁠BloomBridge Surrogacy App⁠

• ⁠⁠ASRM Guidelines⁠

• ⁠Dr Erica Bove- ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Website⁠

Key Takeaways:

• SET is almost always safer—for the babies, surrogate, and your long-term outcomes

• DET comes with higher risks: preterm birth, NICU time, and pregnancy complications

• The financial “savings” of twins often disappear in NICU bills and long-term care

• Your decision affects not just you, but your surrogate—and that relationship matters

• You can still have two children—just not always in one pregnancy
  

Thinking about transferring more than one embryo? 🎧 Start with this episode, then download the ASRM guidelines and review your clinic’s policies.

📱 Explore BloomBridge for vetted surrogacy tools, smarter decisions, and support for both heart and science.

“You can put in two embryos and still end up with four babies. Are you ready for that?”

The traditional surrogacy match system isn’t working. Whether you’re with an agency or searching independently, most intended parents are unknowingly set up to fail—or settle.

From long waitlists and lack of transparency to mismatches and hidden costs, Alyssa breaks down the outdated dynamics inside both agency and independent paths. She shares why how you find a surrogate matters just as much as who you match with—and introduces a better way forward through the BloomBridge platform.

What You’ll Learn:

• 00:00 — Why online matching groups can be risky

• 01:46 — The two ways to find a surrogate (agency vs independent)

• 03:29 — Why agencies feel “safe” but aren’t always regulated

• 05:20 — Alyssa’s personal journey comparing 20+ agencies

• 06:02 — The tool she created to simplify agency research

• 07:41 — What really happens when agencies “match” you

• 09:18 — What independent matching is (and isn’t)

• 11:11 — How Alyssa matched in 8 weeks vs a 2-year agency quote

• 12:06 — The truth about disqualified surrogates in online spaces

• 13:55 — The emotional cost of the traditional match process

• 15:20 — Why most intended parents are worn down before they match

• 16:14 — What BloomBridge is doing differently to fix the system

• 17:46 — What “the right match” really means for your journey

• 18:23 — Recap of key takeaways and tools you can use right now
  

Resources Mentioned:

• BloomBridge Surrogacy App

• Surrogacy SmartSheet 

Key Takeaways:

• The match process is outdated, slow, and often lacks transparency

• Agencies vary wildly—there’s no regulation and little accountability

• Independent matching can work—but only with strategy and vetting tools

• Most intended parents are stuck in a system that drains their energy

• BloomBridge makes surrogates visible, organized, and accessible—finally
  

If you’ve been spinning your wheels with agencies or burned out by online matching groups, it’s time to take control. ✨ Download the BloomBridge app to start seeing real surrogate options and make informed, empowered decisions from day one.

“The system isn’t broken—it’s just outdated. You deserve more than hoping and waiting. You deserve to choose.”

Surrogacy is an exciting and emotional journey—but it’s also complex and full of potential pitfalls. From choosing the cheapest option to rushing into the first match, there are mistakes that could cost you more than just money—they could cost you time, peace of mind, and years of waiting.

In this episode, Dr. Alyssa Small Layne breaks down 5 common surrogacy mistakes that can derail your plans. She shares insights from her own surrogacy journey and practical advice for avoiding these mistakes, ensuring your journey stays smooth, supported, and on track.

🎧 If you’re feeling overwhelmed by surrogacy options or unsure how to start, this episode is your guide to avoiding the biggest missteps.

What You’ll Learn:

• 01:40 — The hidden dangers of choosing the cheapest surrogacy option

• 03:12 — Why all surrogacy agencies are NOT the same

• 05:10 — How to ensure your surrogate shares your core values (and why this matters)

• 07:14 — Why rushing to match can hurt you more than help you

• 09:00 — The real cost of relying on online forums instead of expert advice

• 11:24 — How to assess agencies and surrogates with a clear, informed mindset

• 13:30 — How doing it right the first time saves you stress, time, and money

• 15:02 — The personal story behind Alyssa’s own mistake and what she learned
  

Resources Mentioned:

• Surrogate vetting essentials (surrogacy first 6 included)

• Bloombridge Sign up
  

Key Takeaways:

• Cutting corners on surrogacy can cost you years of time and emotional energy

• Agencies are not one-size-fits-all—invest time to find the right fit

• Clear communication, matched values, and solid preparation can save you money

• Don’t rely on online forums or incomplete advice—use expert support for peace of mind
  

Already feeling like you’ve made some of these mistakes? It’s not too late to course-correct! Download our Surrogate Vetting Essentials Guide and get expert tools to set yourself up for a smoother, less stressful surrogacy journey.

“Surrogacy doesn’t have to be a maze. The more informed you are, the smoother your journey will be.”

Ever wonder what your fertility clinic is really using to determine if a surrogate is a “yes” or a “no”?

In this essential episode, Dr. Alyssa Small Layne breaks down the official ASRM guidelines—the very framework most U.S. fertility clinics use to decide what’s acceptable, what’s risky, and what’s required in surrogacy. These aren’t laws, but they shape everything from who qualifies as a surrogate to how many embryos can be transferred.

This episode will help you understand red flags, ask smarter questions, and save yourself time, money, and heartbreak—especially if you're going independent or have already matched.

What You’ll Learn:

• 03:15 — What the ASRM guidelines are (and why they matter)

• 04:50 — How understanding them can protect you from losing tens of thousands of dollars

• 06:32 — Who qualifies as an intended parent (it’s more inclusive than you think)

• 09:48 — Who can be a surrogate and which health guidelines are non-negotiable

• 12:35 — Medical tests surrogates must pass before approval

• 14:37 — Why vaccination status matters in contract agreements

• 15:16 — The emotional side of surrogacy: what ASRM says about mental health support

• 18:14 — Legal must-haves before embryo transfer can begin

• 20:14 — Embryo transfer guidelines (spoiler: single embryo is strongly recommended)

• 21:57 — When two embryos might be considered and why nuance matters
  

Resources Mentioned:

• BloomBridge

• Surrogacy BluePrint Course

• Surrogacy Starter Kit

Key Takeaways:

• The ASRM guidelines aren’t laws, but they shape most clinical and agency decisions

• Not every disqualified surrogate is a “bad match”—context matters

• You don’t need to be infertile to qualify for surrogacy, just have a documented medical need

• Contracts, mental health screening, and single embryo transfer are all non-optional steps
  

Feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin? Download the BloomBridge app and grab the Surrogate Vetting Essentials Guide to get clarity before matching or submitting records to a clinic.

“Surrogacy isn’t simple—but with the ASRM guidelines in your back pocket, you’re not walking in blind.”

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.”

Ever wonder what your fertility clinic is really using to determine if a surrogate is a “yes” or a “no”?

In this essential episode, Dr. Alyssa Small Layne breaks down the official ASRM guidelines—the very framework most U.S. fertility clinics use to decide what’s acceptable, what’s risky, and what’s required in surrogacy. These aren’t laws, but they shape everything from who qualifies as a surrogate to how many embryos can be transferred.

This episode will help you understand red flags, ask smarter questions, and save yourself time, money, and heartbreak—especially if you're going independent or have already matched.

What You’ll Learn:

• 03:15 — What the ASRM guidelines are (and why they matter)

• 04:50 — How understanding them can protect you from losing tens of thousands of dollars

• 06:32 — Who qualifies as an intended parent (it’s more inclusive than you think)

• 09:48 — Who can be a surrogate and which health guidelines are non-negotiable

• 12:35 — Medical tests surrogates must pass before approval

• 14:37 — Why vaccination status matters in contract agreements

• 15:16 — The emotional side of surrogacy: what ASRM says about mental health support

• 18:14 — Legal must-haves before embryo transfer can begin

• 20:14 — Embryo transfer guidelines (spoiler: single embryo is strongly recommended)

• 21:57 — When two embryos might be considered and why nuance matters
  

Resources Mentioned:

• Surrogate vetting essentials

• BloomBridge Surrogacy App

• ASRM Guidelines
  

Key Takeaways:

• The ASRM guidelines aren’t laws, but they shape most clinical and agency decisions

• Not every disqualified surrogate is a “bad match”—context matters

• You don’t need to be infertile to qualify for surrogacy, just have a documented medical need

• Contracts, mental health screening, and single embryo transfer are all non-optional steps
  

Feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin?

Download the BloomBridge app and grab the Surrogate Vetting Essentials Guide to get clarity before matching or submitting records to a clinic.

“Surrogacy isn’t simple—but with the ASRM guidelines in your back pocket, you’re not walking in blind.”