Are you considering surrogacy, but wondering how does surrogacy even work?. Asking yourself questions like, "How does a surrogate get pregnant?" or "Can I really become a parent through surrogacy?"

It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed by these uncertainties—they can definitely hold you back from taking the next step.

Thinking about starting the surrogacy process without a full understanding can feel daunting. You might be worried about genetic connections, legal issues, and the overall steps needed to have a baby this way.

In this episode, we break down all the crucial details you need to know about how surrogacy works, addressing your burning questions so you can move forward with confidence and clarity.

Topics Covered:

• Surrogacy 101:

• • 1:19 - Introduction to surrogacy: "How does surrogacy work?"

• Types of Surrogacy:

• • 5:50 - Traditional Surrogacy vs. Gestational Surrogacy: What’s the difference?

• Start-to-Finish Breakdown:

• • 11:11 - Preparation Phase

  • 12:04 - Matching Phase

  • 12:11 - Pregnancy Phase

• Common Questions Addressed:

• • 17:20 - “Does a surrogate baby have the surrogate’s DNA?”

  • 20:23 - “Does the surrogate share blood with the baby?”

  • 21:38 - “How does surrogacy work with two males?”

  • 22:26 - “Can a surrogate keep the baby?”

It’s always surprising how straightforward the surrogacy process can be when it's broken down into clear, manageable steps. This episode will help you understand the path to becoming a parent through surrogacy.

Are you ready to clear up the confusion around surrogacy and get the answers you need to move forward?

Don't wait any longer! Tune in and finally start your journey with confidence.

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

Episode 14: Independent Surrogacy Steps: How to Save $50,000 and Take Control of Your Dream

Surrogacy Start Kit with Step-by-Step Surrogacy Checklist

Have you ever worried about where your money goes when you pay surrogacy fees? If not, you might want to start thinking about it now.

Not to scare you but…

Imagine finding out that the escrow company you trusted with thousands of dollars has been siphoning money away. You’re not just losing finances; you’re losing trust and hope.

This isn't a hypothetical scenario—it's a reality faced by intended parents like you. Right now there are parents with no way of affording surrogacy after losing it all.

You're left questioning if your dreams of becoming a parent are slipping through your fingers.

This is part 2 of our chat with Arielle Mitton, intended mom with a pregnant surrogate—stressed by escrow issues, wondering how her surrogacy went wrong, facing financial strain, and yet, holding onto hope.

In this part of our talk, you'll hear:

• Why Arielle believes federal-level legal changes are needed to protect surrogacy funds.

• The emotional and physical challenges Arielle faced, and how finding the right surrogate changed everything.

• Practical advice for managing surrogate payments without relying on an escrow company.

Bottom line.. effective financial management is crucial in surrogacy to ensure that nothing stands between you and your dream family.

Don't let financial missteps derail your surrogacy plans. Tune in to gain insights, avoid pitfalls, and stay informed.

Click to listen now and arm yourself with the knowledge to navigate your surrogacy journey confidently.

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

Safe Surrogacy - 6 Insider Tips to Avoid Scams and Pitfalls

Episode 18: Surrogacy Nightmare: Find Out if Your Money is at Risk!

Surrogate Identity Quiz (Arielle’s surrogate DID get Warm Romantic!)

Arielle and Tena’s GoFundMe

LA Times Article - They put aside millions for surrogates. Now the money has vanished, sparking an FBI inquiry

Is your money for surrogacy safe?

The real people devastated by the SEAM escrow scandal need a voice.

Arielle Mitton came to surrogacy after hyperemesis gravidarum, and complications of Asherman’s syndrome. She matched with an amazing surrogate and her excitement grew when the pregnancy test was positive. But then the most unexpected thing happened.

The company that was supposed to keep her money safe suddenly stops making payments and goes silent. Mismanagement? Fraud? Elaborate scam?

Using an escrow should have made things easier for Arielle’s surrogacy journey, but it went wrong.

We have more questions than answers.

But Arielle shares her journey and how she’s handling the fall out.

Highlights

00:00 Medical bias dismisses woman's serious health concerns.

07:38 Struggling with surrogacy, considering giving up.

10:48 Struggles with fertility, successful surrogate pregnancy.

17:06 Surrogacy requires financial preparation down to penny.

23:38 Delayed payment, fraud, and legal troubles unfold.

In surrogacy, every dollar counts. Ensuring that your funds are managed securely can prevent a world of headaches down the line.

Have you double-checked the reliability of your escrow company, and do you know your legal options if things go wrong?

This chat’s eye-opening and also heartwarming.

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

Safe Surrogacy - 6 Insider Tips to Avoid Scams and Pitfalls

Episode 18: Surrogacy Nightmare: Find Out if Your Money is at Risk!

Surrogate Identity Quiz (Arielle’s surrogate DID get Warm Romantic!)

Arielle and Tena’s GoFundMe

LA Times Article - They put aside millions for surrogates. Now the money has vanished, sparking an FBI inquiry

If you’re considering becoming a surrogate, understanding the potential risks and complications is crucial.

What questions do you need to ask the fertility clinic or your agency about your risks?

Listen as Alex shares her eye-opening journey through surrogacy, including life-threatening complications.

But at the end of the day, she still champions surrogacy and wholeheartedly recommends it to others.

Surrogacy should be about the joy of helping a family grow, but we can’t ignore the possible risks. By going in with your eyes wide open, you can be prepared, informed, and have backup plans in place.

In this episode, you'll hear:

Alex's severe hemorrhage experience and emergency surgery.

• Why it’s essential to ask the hard questions before committing to surrogacy.
• What no one told Alex about medical emergencies in surrogacy—and what you need to know.
• Let’s make your surrogacy journey as safe and rewarding as possible.

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 — 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!

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:

• The non-traditional approach of Alex's first surrogacy journey and how it led to a close relationship with the intended parents.

• The moment her water broke at the baby shower

• Processing feelings of guilt as a surrogate and the emotional complexities involved.

• When lightning strikes twice - more medical complications

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

• How you can maintain privacy while sharing your surrogacy journey

• Best places to find a surrogate that you haven’t thought of (no, it’s not an agency or a Facebook groups)

• How to use social media effectively to connect with surrogates and other intended parents

• What you can do to make your profile irresistible

• The value of having influential friends share your story

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:

• Overcoming the fear of sharing personal stories online
• The importance of authenticity in connecting with potential surrogates
• A behind-the-scenes look at creating content that actually gets noticed
• The unforgettable success story of how a viral post reached the perfect surrogate

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