Surrogacy Made Simple

By: Alyssa Small Layne MD
  • Summary

  • Surrogacy doesn't have to be overwhelming. On Surrogacy Made Simple, we walk you through this life-changing journey without the complexity and confusion, so you can focus on what's most important - welcoming your new baby! We chat about surrogacy agencies, independent surrogacy, donor eggs, IVF, inducing lactation and all the things important to you. You'll love real stories from intended parents, surrogates and advice from experts in the field. Your surrogacy expert, Dr Alyssa Small Layne (OBGYN, mom through surrogacy), will be your guide.
    Alyssa Small Layne, MD
    Show more Show less
activate_Holiday_promo_in_buybox_DT_T2
Episodes
  • #32 Protect Your Fertility: What You Need to Know Before GYN Surgery
    Sep 26 2024

    If you’re about to undergo GYN surgery, you need to know what could happen to your fertility.

    I needed a surrogate because fibroids and a myomectomy stole my fertility.

    Too many times, women aren't fully informed about the risks tied to fibroid removal, endometriosis surgery, endometrial ablation, and other invasive procedures.

    But what if you learned the full scope of your options before making life-changing decisions?

    In this eye-opening episode of Surrogacy Made Simple Podcast, we dig into the need for comprehensive care and informed consent before GYN surgery.

    I share with you both as a surgeon and a patient.

    You’ll discover the often-hidden risks, the pros and cons of various treatment paths, and how to make confident, informed choices to protect your fertility.


    Episode Highlights:

    06:04 How the growing OBGYN shortage will affect fertility

    15:23 How to manage ovarian cysts without compromising your fertility.

    19:34 The truth about endometriomas: How they impact your ovarian reserve.

    25:54 Fibroids should be preventable

    34:02 Think embolization (UFE) is your best option for fibroids? You might want to think again.

    40:33 Ask about ovary preservation before hysterectomy.


    Your doctor might not have mentioned all these crucial alternatives—get the full picture on your fertility options.

    If you want a baby (your own pregnancy or surrogacy) and you’re considering a GYN surgery, make sure you're fully informed before moving forward. This episode is an absolute must-listen.


    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

    ACOG - Preparing for Surgery

    ACOG - Uterine Artery Embolization


    Show more Show less
    44 mins
  • #31 What's the Best Surrogacy Relationship Style?
    Sep 19 2024

    What's the right type of surrogacy relationship?

    Are you feeling pressured to have a relationship in surrogacy that isn’t what you really want?

    When expectations aren’t met, things can fall apart.

    If your relationship and communication styles don’t match your vision, it can lead to anxiety and frustration, potentially causing a breakdown in your surrogacy journey.

    But you can prevent this! Learn what works for you and how to find a good match.


    Episode Highlights:

    • 07:28 - Discover the three different surrogacy relationship styles

    • 09:09 - If you believe in strong emotional bonds, you’re this type

    • 13:39 - The most misunderstood type of relationship revealed

    • 18:44 - Understand how peer pressure in surrogacy may affect you

    • 21:33 - Unpopular opinion: You don’t need a close relationship

    • 31:22 - Take a quick quiz to find your ideal relationship style

    Are you aware of how your preferred relationship style will impact your surrogacy journey? Don’t leave your dreams to chance. Prevent misunderstandings from derailing your plans.

    Listen now and create the right relationship for you!


    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

    Surrogate ID quiz

    Your First Meeting with a Surrogate: 6 Key Topics You Must Cover to Prevent a Broken Match

    Surrogate Vetting Essentials


    Show more Show less
    36 mins
  • #30 Independent Surrogacy: 6 Untold Truths You Need to Know
    Sep 12 2024

    Are you nervous about independent surrogacy?


    Uncertain about managing it all yourself?


    Afraid you'll miss a crucial step?


    Or maybe you’re wondering if this is a barely legal, out of the box thing that puts you and your baby at serious risk.


    You’re not alone in feeling this way because most people don’t know the truth about independent surrogacy.


    Plus there’s a whole industry designed to keep it that way


    But, as usual, we’re here to share secrets and help you make the rights decisions for you!


    In this episode, you'll hear:

    06:23 The basics: What is independent surrogacy and why do people choose it?

    7:37 Why believing that independent surrogacy is “DIY” could lead to unnecessary stress

    12:58 Independent surrogacy is not professional-free. The role of your expert team.

    18:04 What skeptics won’t tell you: It’s perfectly legal

    21:24 With the right resources and step-by-step guides, it’s easier than you think.

    26:54 A surrogacy agency isn’t your only option for finding a surrogate

    31:16 The truth about cost savings in independent surrogacy


    Unpopular opinion… If you can manage a project, then you can handle independent surrogacy with confidence.


    Ready to demystify independent surrogacy and take control of your journey? You’ve got to listen to this episode—get all the insights and tools you need to succeed!



    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

    Step by Step Guide & Checklist

    Surrogate Vetting Essentials

    The New York State surrogacy agency license


    Show more Show less
    37 mins

What listeners say about Surrogacy Made Simple

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.