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.”