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

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• 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.”