Surrogacy Is a Podcast

Finding Your Green Flags in LGBTQ+ Fertility with Dr. Theisen, RE and REI Specialist at PREG

In this episode, we are honored to sit down with Dr. Graham Theisen, a reproductive endocrinologist at PREG (Piedmont Reproductive Endocrinology Group) and a father of two via surrogacy. 🤗 Dr. Theisen blends his professional expertise with his personal experience, sharing how his own journey as an intended father shapes the empathetic care he provides to his patients every day. In this episode, we chat about: 👨‍⚕️ Dr. Theisen’s Dual Advice — What he’s learned as both a doctor and an intended parent 🏠 Logistics To Consider — Like why moving your embryos to your surrogate’s local clinic might make more sense than flying her to your clinic 🧬 Important Things to Keep in Mind When Using a Donor — Questions you’ll want to ask yourself before your journey begins 🚩 Red Flags to Watch For — How to "shop around" for clinics and agencies that prioritize transparency over speed 🤝 The Art of the Match — Why changing your criteria (like looking for an experienced mom!) can lead to a smoother process If you’re an intended parent feeling the weight of all your “to-dos," Dr. Theisen’s unique perspective is the reassurance you need to keep moving forward with confidence! Connect with Dr. Theisen: To learn more about his work at the Piedmont Reproductive Endocrinology Group, visit PREG online (www.pregonline.com [http://www.pregonline.com]) or follow @pregonline on Instagram.  Also, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review Surrogacy Is A Podcast!

Misconceptions Series: Surrogates Don’t Have Control During Labor & Delivery

Do surrogates get a say in their pregnancy and delivery?  Spoiler alert: The answer might surprise you! 😱 In this episode of our Misconception Series, Sunshine and Casey tackle one of the most persistent and emotionally loaded myths in surrogacy—whether or not surrogates get a choice in their prenatal care. We’re breaking down how decisions around labor support, hospital choice, delivery preferences, pain management, and postpartum recovery actually work in ethical, agency-led journeys. From who can be in the room to how intended parents prepare to be involved, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and a look behind the scenes at how collaborative (and flexible!) these conversations really are. Dive in with us as we chat about: ✅ Why it’s important to discuss labor preferences early in matching🚪 Whose decision is it on who gets to be in the delivery room—and how to honor everyone’s experience in the moment  💉 How pain management preferences can be honored and supported🔄 How plans can shift during birth — and why flexibility protects the surrogate🛏️ As a surrogate, things you can do to prepare for post-delivery If you’re a surrogate curious about how to handle delivery day, this episode is a must-listen! 🤗 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review Surrogacy Is A Podcast!

Emotional Wellness in Surrogacy with Dr. Sadaf, Founder of Embra Health

✨We’re so excited to spotlight Dr. Sadaf, Founder of Embra Health, in this episode. ✨ If you don’t know Dr. Sadaf yet—she’s a mental health expert for those in the surrogacy world. She has been supporting our community through monthly group sessions and is available for mental health support for all our agency’s surrogates and intended parents.   In today’s episode, we chat about the emotional side of the surrogacy journey—as well as the practical tools and gentle reminders for any surrogate who’s ever felt stretched thin. 💜Here’s what we’re unpacking: 🫣 The real-life challenges surrogates juggle behind the scenes 🛑 Early signs of overwhelm — and how to respond 💬 How honest communication builds healthier relationships with IPs 💛 Tools to stay grounded, confident, and connected 🤝 Why community support matters (and how our monthly support calls help) We want to invite every surrogate to follow Dr. Sadaf at @embrahealth As well as check out our monthly GC Empower Hour Calls 📞 These calls are open to all surrogates to connect in a supportive space with other surrogates and get helpful advice on exactly where you are in your journey. These calls are held every 2nd Wednesday of the month. Follow us at @surrogacyis to make sure you don’t miss them. surro.is/empower [http://surro.is/empower]

Helping Surrogates Find Confidence with IVF Help from Blossom Fertility Concierge.

For many surrogates, the IVF portion of the journey can bring up some big feelings. Usually uncertainty and nervousness over the dreaded shots. 💉But surrogates should never feel like they have to tackle it alone! In this episode, we’re joined by Maryam Lowry, RN and founder of Blossom Fertility Concierge. Maryam shares how her 1:1 approach helps surrogates feel calm and reassured to understand their medical calendar. (She even offers guidance for intended parents who want to be supportive during the process!)  In this episode, we chat about: ✅ Why injections feel intimidating at first — and why that’s totally normal 💉 How proper technique reduces pain, bruising, and anxiety 🧡 Why emotional support is just as important as the medical side 🔄 How to navigate needle anxiety, overwhelm, or medication fatigue 🚫 Common mistakes and how to avoid them ✨ Why the medical process is so important and why proper support and make all the difference in your confidence  If you’re a surrogate (or intended parent!) approaching the IVF process of your journey, this episode is a must-listen!  If you’re looking for more information on Blossom Fertility Concierge, make sure to follow Maryam here: @blossomfertilityconcierge Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review Surrogacy Is A Podcast!

Infertility, Identity & the Fight for Visibility with The Broken Brown Egg

In this powerful and deeply affirming episode, we’re joined by Regina Townsend, a leading voice in fertility advocacy for Black women and families. She’s also the founder of The Broken Brown Egg, author of Make IF Make Sense, and creator of the ShellShocked support group. 🖤✨ After nearly a decade navigating infertility, Regina and her husband welcomed their son, Judah, through IVF. Her personal journey sparked a movement — one that boldly challenges silence, stigma, and the lack of visible Black stories in fertility spaces. As a librarian and writer, Regina uses storytelling as both resistance and restoration, creating space for honest conversations that many have long felt excluded from.  Listen to hear: 🧡 Regina’s personal infertility journey and what led her to create The Broken Brown Egg 📣 Why representation in fertility spaces truly matters 🧱 The harmful stereotypes Black women still face in reproductive health 📖 What Regina hopes readers gain from her book Make IF Make Sense ✍🏽 How storytelling helps people reclaim power in their fertility journeys 💬 Encouraging words for anyone feeling alone in their struggle ✨ Regina’s vision for the future of fertility advocacy and community growth This episode is for anyone who has ever felt like they were walking the infertility journey alone—and how, together as a community, we should always support one another.  Please subscribe, rate, and review our Podcast!