The holidays can feel like the brightest spotlight on what’s missing—especially when intended parents are still waiting, longing, or grieving their path to parenthood. Scrolling through social feeds packed with family celebrations, facing sensitive questions from relatives, or enduring pregnancy announcements at festive gatherings can sting in ways few people understand. It’s exhausting to keep showing up, pretending, or shrinking yourself just to survive the season.

But you don’t have to go through it alone or unprepared. In this episode, Alyssa Small Layne shares 8 practical, compassionate strategies to protect your emotional and financial wellbeing, set boundaries without guilt, and create tiny moments of comfort and control—even before your baby arrives.

🎧 Press play and discover how to make holidays survivable, honest, and even full of hope.

What You’ll Learn:

• 02:23 — Why the holidays amplify grief, longing, and comparison for intended parents
• 07:14 — How to decide your level of participation and give yourself permission to opt out
• 08:55 — The power of having a “safe person” at every gathering
• 11:31 — Scripts for handling nosy, insensitive holiday questions about surrogacy or infertility
• 13:12 — Creating exit plans and time limits to save energy at hard events
• 16:27 — Handling pregnancy announcements without falling apart
• 19:48 — Building new traditions—even ones focused on your future child
• 22:00 — Special tips for navigating surrogacy during the holidays—whether matched or still waiting
• 24:53 — How to honor both your emotional and financial budget while building your family

Resources Mentioned:

• BloomBridge Surrogacy App

• Free Surrogacy Starter Kit for Intended Parents

• #40 Surrogacy Costs Soaring: Are Luxury Gifts Really Necessary?

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  Key Takeaways:

• • You do not owe anyone holiday participation that harms your emotional health.

  • Preparing responses ahead of time reduces anxiety during gatherings.

  • A designated safe person can anchor you when conversations become difficult.

  • Triggers do not mean failure, they are normal and temporary responses.

  • New traditions can help you reclaim meaning during a sensitive season.

  🎧 Ready to reclaim peace and comfort this holiday season?Listen now and let Alyssa Small Layne guide you to a gentler, stronger holiday—just for you.

  “You are allowed to protect your peace during the holidays.”

  
  

Worried about making a mistake when choosing your surrogate? You’re not alone—one wrong decision can lead to contract battles, lost money, or broken dreams. It’s easy to get caught up in emotions and miss the subtle warning signs hiding in a profile.

In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Alyssa Small Layne reveals exactly how to choose a surrogate step-by-step: what signals caution, how to interpret health notes, and which “green flags” actually matter. Real profile examples, actionable tips, and must-ask questions will help you avoid common pitfalls—and confidently invest in the right match for your family.

🎧 Press play so you can match with clarity and peace of mind!

What You'll Learn:

00:07 — The emotional reality of reading that first surrogate profile

05:02 — Why your fertility clinic’s requirements must guide your decision

07:01 — How to anchor your preferences and stay focused

11:00 — Spotting hidden red/orange flags before it’s too late

14:41 — Surrogate compensation, double embryo transfers, and support systems

18:40 — How health history (like thyroid antibodies) should affect your choice

30:27 — Why location, insurance, and termination views are critical to “how to choose a surrogate”

44:18 — The biggest financial red flag you should never ignore

Resources Mentioned:

• BloomBridge Surrogacy App
• Surrogate vetting essentials
• Episode #66
• https://gojunie.com/podcast/episode/5
• Surrogacy BluePrint Course

Key Takeaways:

• Review both clinic and personal criteria before saying yes to a match
• State laws on termination and reproductive rights can affect your journey
• Look for consistency, honesty, and a strong support system in profiles
• Use professional guides to vet red flags and protect your investment
• Matching isn’t luck—it’s clarity, alignment, and communication
  

🎧 Want to feel confident about how to choose a surrogate?Download the Surrogate Vetting Essentials Guide on BloomBridge and start your matching journey with clarity!

Navigating surrogacy insurance is more daunting than ever in 2026.

Thinking you’ve found the perfect surrogate, only to worry about the massive, unpredictable expenses hiding in her insurance?

You’re not alone. As surrogacy insurance evolves in 2026, many intended parents are blindsided by exclusions, rising premiums, and devastating liens—making “insurance options for surrogacy 2026” more confusing (and essential) than ever.

In this episode, Dr. Alyssa Small Layne and Sarah Paige break down every insurance option, debunk myths about surrogacy-friendly plans, and show you how to spot red flags before you match.

Feeling overwhelmed? This discussion will help you take control, protect your budget, and safeguard your journey with confidence.

Don’t let insurance confusion steal your peace—press play to get clarity now!

What You’ll Learn:

00:00 — Why surrogacy insurance is more complicated (and expensive) in 2026

01:32 — What qualifies as “surrogacy friendly” insurance—and why it matters

05:39 — How premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maxes are changing

07:16 — Liens explained: hidden risks in surrogacy insurance

13:27 — Lloyd’s of London and other alternative insurance policies you should know

15:13 — Liens vs. compensation: understanding “right to reimbursement”

27:19 — How to compare your insurance options for surrogacy in 2026

39:11 — Most common states for lien policies and insurance pitfalls

46:17 — The new surrogacy climate in California (and what it means for your journey)

Resources Mentioned:

• BloomBridge Surrogacy App

• ART Risk

• Creative Family Connections Surrogacy Law Map

Key Takeaways:

• Premiums are up 18%—out-of-pocket costs now average $10,600 per journey.

• Liens are expanding, especially in California, Oregon, Colorado, and Ohio.

• Never hide surrogacy from an insurer—it can void coverage and risk employment.

• Always compare lien policies to Lloyd’s plans to find the true cost.

• Legal support and professional insurance review are essential before matching.

🎧 Wondering which insurance options for surrogacy 2026 are right for you? Use BloomBridge to get your policy professionally reviewed before you match!