Surrogacy Made Simple

If you think being a surrogate is easy and you know what to expect, then what happened to Alex may stun you.

You’ve seen heartwarming stories on TikTok and you’ve been following journeys on Instagram. But does surrogacy always go that way? 

Alex, a 2 time surrogate had a picture perfect experience. That tight bond with her intended parents becoming family - just how “Warm Romantic” surrogates like it. 

But then everything changed. 

Imagine celebrating at a baby shower, for the baby you’re carrying, and then suddenly getting rushed to the hospital—Alex tells her unforgettable story.

In this episode, you'll hear:

Are you prepared for the emotional highs and lows that come with surrogacy?

Tune in because this chat could make a major difference in your surrogacy experience.

Listen to the podcast episode 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 

Connect with Alex on Instragram @alex_bowers15

Alex is a Warm Romantic - What kind of surrogate are you? (quiz)

What to be a guest and share your story? Start here!

Are your surrogacy funds really safe? 

Imagine waking up to an email from your escrow company saying all operations are on hold due to legal action. 

Panic sets in as you realize your money, the hard earned money set aside for surrogacy is locked down.

Or maybe gone forever.

The surrogacy community is buzzing with anxiety and uncertainty over a major escrow company’s financial scandal. Surrogates and intended parents alike face unanswered questions, delayed payments, and missing money. 

If you’re on this journey or planning to be, you need to hear this.

In this episode, you'll hear:

The initial shock – How one email sent the surrogacy community into chaos

The role of escrow – Discover why escrow accounts might not be as secure as you think

The scandal – Dive into the unsettling collapse of a prominent escrow company

The way forward – Steps you can take to safeguard your surrogacy finances

Don't wait until it’s too late.

This isn't just another nightmare story; it's a wake-up call.

Tune in to this episode now and arm yourself with the vital knowledge needed to protect your surrogacy journey.

“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 

Safe Surrogacy - 6 Insider Tips to Avoid Scams and Pitfalls

How do you stand out? If you’re on a waitlist with 60 other hopeful intended parents, how do you get picked?

If you’re posting your profile online, what makes a surrogate stop vs scroll by?

Knowing exactly what to put in your profile and how to connect with surrogates is key. 

Are you showcasing the best version of yourself to potential surrogates or highlighting your trauma? 

You may be surprised to find out what really attracts a surrogate and makes her want to match with you.

This episode dives into 

In part 2 of our talk with Baden Colt, mom through surrogacy, storyteller and marketing expert, we share gems on how to match faster and have a better connection. 

Want to know the reality? Authentic storytelling and showcasing your true personality can significantly increase your chances of finding the perfect surrogate.

Listen to the full episode and discover how to leverage social media and get hot tips to spruce up your agency profile.

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 

Baden’s blog site

Not My Tummy

Surrogacy Starter Kit

Finding a surrogate is one of the hardest parts of being an intended parent. 

There are 20 hopeful parents for every surrogate (100 parents per surrogate in Canada, ouch!). 

How do you stand out? Dance on TikTok?

It’s very overwhelming. But the good news is, you don’t have to be a social media expert to find your surrogate. Sometimes, the most genuine posts can make the biggest impact.

In this episode of Surrogacy Made Simple, Baden Colt, storyteller and surrogacy marketing expert shares it all. How sharing her story took her viral and led to finding her perfect surrogate match. 

In this episode, you'll hear about:

If you want a faster, closer match, don’t miss this chat.

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 

Baden’s blog site

Not My Tummy

Surrogacy Starter Kit

Seeing surrogates on Instagram and TikTok can make the journey look fun and glamorous. But have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to join their ranks? If you’re getting excited by the posts and videos, hold on a minute. Being a surrogate is much more than what you see online. 

Think anyone can be a surrogate? Think again!

Not everyone makes the cut. 

You may be surprised at all the requirements and checks surrogates have to go through and why we have these rules.

We’re going to run through:

• The types of surrogacy - What’s the difference between traditional and gestational surrogacy?

• Medical Prerequisites - What you must have to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

• Mental and Social Readiness - Why you need a solid support system and how mental preparedness impacts the journey.

• Legal and Financial Considerations - If you think a big pay day is guaranteed, then you need to hear this!

• Negotiations and Personal Choices - You have more control than you think!

The truth is, guidelines and requirements are not just paperwork; they’re essential to a healthy and successful surrogacy journey. 

Ready to see if you’d qualify to be a surrogate? Grab your headphones and listen in!

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 

What kind of surrogate are you? Take the Surro ID quiz

ASRM Recommendations 2022

Are you ready to take control of your surrogacy journey and explore the benefits of independent surrogacy?

Imagine being empowered through every step, from selecting the perfect surrogate to bringing your baby home, and all while saving a significant amount of money. Independent surrogacy can sound daunting, but with the right information and steps, it's an incredibly rewarding path.

This episode is your guide that walks you through the entire process of independent surrogacy. We went though independent surrogacy and know how hard it is to get the info you need to do it right. So if you’ve been searching for the steps to independent surrogacy or need a guide, this one’s for you!

In this episode:

• How independent surrogacy works from beginning to end

• What if you could handle your surrogacy independently and still have a safe, successful outcome? Spoiler: You can.

• Common Mistakes in Independent Surrogacy That Cost More Than Just Money—Are You Making Them?

• How to navigate the three crucial phases of surrogacy – preparation, matching, and pregnancy – with confidence.

  
  

Here's an empowering fact: Independent surrogacy can save you at least $50,000 compared to agency-supported surrogacy.

Start this incredible journey with confidence and joy. Tune in to this episode and discover how to make your independent surrogacy experience as smooth and successful as possible.

Don’t forget to grab your free surrogacy Step-by-Step Guide and Checklist

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 (with step-by-step checklist and guide)
• #5: Your First Meeting with a Surrogate: 6 Key Topics You Must Cover to Prevent a Broken Match
  
• 
  Surrogacy Journey Cost Calculator
  

Are you excited about adding breastfeeding to your surrogacy journey but unsure how to start inducing lactation? 

This is part 2 of our chat with Alyssa Schnell, IBCLC about inducing lactation to breastfeed your baby through surrogacy.

Imagine feeling confident in your choices, knowing you have the right tools and information to navigate this beautiful process. Whether it's picking the best breast pump or understanding the perfect time to begin, this episode sheds light on it all.

Most people believe inducing lactation is too difficult—this episode will change your mind!

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

06:32 If you’re concerned about not making enough milk, you’ll love this trick

15:54 Most people believe any breast pump will work for inducing lactation—find out why that's NOT the case.

26:24 How to start your lactation journey with gentle steps and find the support you need

31:58 The best way to work with a lactation expert

You should know—beginning lactation induction at just the right time can set you up for a rewarding breastfeeding experience.

Don’t miss this episode. Dive in now and take the first step toward a confident and joyful breastfeeding journey!

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 — have a great experience with surrogacy. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Links for this episode 

Free Surrogacy Starter Kit 

Alyssa Schnell, IBCLC

You might believe that breastfeeding is only for women who give birth, and you can’t nurse your baby born through surrogacy - the good news is, you’re wrong!

Thanks to inducing lactation, breastfeeding is not only for birthing women.  With correct guidance and methods, any mother, including non-gestational (non-birthing), and adoptive moms can produce breast milk. This means, you can experience the deep connection and nutritional benefits of breastfeeding. 

But how do you navigate this complex process successfully?

How do you induce lactation?

And is it worth it?

In this episode we sit down with Alyssa Schnell, a seasoned lactation consultant specializing in induced lactation. She literally wrote the book on Breastfeeding Without Birthing

In this episode, we talk about

The simple fact — *almost* every intended parent has the potential to make breastfeeding a part of their surrogacy journey with the right support and techniques.

How does the possibility of breastfeeding reshape your perception of bonding with your baby through surrogacy?

Tune into this episode of Surrogacy Made Simple and transform the way you approach your surrogacy journey with the incredible possibility of breastfeeding. Don't miss out on these insights—listen 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 — have a great experience with surrogacy. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Links for this episode 

Free Surrogacy Starter Kit 

Alyssa Schnell, IBCLC

If you’re considering moving your embryos for surrogacy, then understanding the key risks is crucial.

Have you thought about how your choice of clinic and decisions to move embryos could impact your future family plans?

Shipping your embryos for surrogacy isn't just about logistics - yes, there are important moving parts, but there’s a lot that goes into this deeply personal decision. And that’s because whether or not to move your embryos, and the best way to do it, is a balancing act of cost, convenience, and risks.

In this episode, we explore this often overlooked yet critical aspect of surrogacy—transferring embryos between fertility clinics. 

In this episode, you'll hear

- 4:22: What it really costs to ship embryos

- 13:45: How to coordinate the shipping of embryos to a different clinic

- 21:30: Convenience or necessity? Why would you consider moving your embryos?

- 30:05: Real-life implications: How the location of your embryos affects your surrogate's experience 

- 38:49: How broken matches and sibling journeys get factored in

A simple fact — you can lower the risks of losing all of your embryos in a shipping disaster with some forward thinking.  

Tune in and arm yourself with knowledge that could make a major difference in your surrogacy experience.

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 — have a great experience with surrogacy. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

The state of surrogacy is evolving faster than ever. What worked before, isn’t going to work tomorrow.  It’s all influenced by new laws, rising costs, shifting societal attitudes, and advancing technologies. 

You need to know why relying solely on surrogacy agencies might be outdated for your parenthood journey.

In this episode, we’ll cover everything from how new technologies and platforms could slash your surrogacy costs to why the US may no longer be the hot spot for surrogacy. These 5 big predictions for the future of surrogacy will keep you from falling behind. 

While some of this may shock you, by the end, you should be hopeful and excited about what this all means for you.  

In this episode, you’ll hear:

4:07: Overview of rising surrogacy costs and what that means for your plans

12:15: The big shift to independent surrogacy over agencies 

19:04: How new technologies and platforms are simplifying the surrogacy process

27:28: What to know about new international surrogacy destinations

42:03: How workplace benefits supporting surrogacy will be a lifeline

Tune in, take notes, and whatever you do, don’t miss the bonus prediction. That one’s a game changer. 

“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 — have a great experience with surrogacy. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Links mentioned in the episode 

The S⁠urrogacy Blueprint Course

5 Little Known Secrets to a Quick Match 
Bloombridge platform