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.)
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.”
Dr. Alyssa Small Layne is a board-certified OB/GYN and minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon with extensive experience in surrogate requirements and gestational carrier support. After navigating her own surrogacy journey as an intended parent, she founded JUNIE to provide comprehensive surrogacy guidance and support.
On Surrogacy Made Simple, Dr. Layne combines her medical expertise with personal experience to help intended parents and surrogates navigate the surrogacy process with confidence and clarity.
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