Advertise on podcast: All Things Conceivable: A Surrogacy Podcast with Nazca Fontes

Weaning is one of the most emotional and often confusing transitions in the breastfeeding or pumping journey—and no two experiences look the same. In this episode of All Things Conceivable: A Surrogacy Podcast, host Nazca Fontes is joined by Abby Theuring, founder of the Badass Breastfeeder community, to unpack everything moms (and surrogates) need to know about weaning. Together, they discuss how to know when the right time to wean truly is, how to gently and safely reduce milk supply, and what physical and emotional changes—including post-weaning depression—can arise along the way. Abby shares practical, step-by-step guidance for pumping parents, breastfeeding parents, and those choosing to suppress lactation altogether, while emphasizing the importance of community support and working with a lactation consultant. This conversation also speaks directly to women preparing for a surrogacy journey, including those who are still breastfeeding or pumping and need to plan their timeline thoughtfully before moving forward. From milk donation and lactation advocacy to empowerment, autonomy, and self-care, this episode offers expert insight and reassurance for anyone navigating the end of their lactation journey. Whether you’re weaning by choice, necessity, or in preparation for surrogacy, this episode will leave you feeling informed, supported, and less alone.

How do you bring up the idea of becoming a surrogate with your spouse or partner—especially when it’s something you’ve been considering for a long time? Starting this conversation can feel overwhelming, emotional, and deeply personal. Joining us are two experienced surrogates and trusted surrogacy experts: Lori Jurecko, MA, LSW, a ConceiveAbilities mental health professional and experienced surrogate, and Allyson Meadows, a surrogacy legal assistant and current surrogate. Together, they break down how to talk to your partner about becoming a surrogate with clarity, honesty, and confidence—sharing real-life insight, emotional guidance, and practical advice from both a professional and personal perspective. Whether you’re just exploring surrogacy or looking for the right words to say, this episode offers thoughtful guidance, reassurance, and practical tips to help you approach the conversation with confidence and care.   Learn more about becoming a surrogate at ConceiveAbilities.

  What’s your superpower? For Stacy Brown, it’s helping create life—and a legacy of love that spans generations. A fitness instructor, retail professional, and self-described “soccer mom,” Stacy never imagined her love for pregnancy would lead her beyond her own family. After experiencing both loss and joy on her path to motherhood, she felt a deeper calling: helping other families build theirs as a gestational surrogate. On this episode of All Things Conceivable: A Surrogacy Podcast, Stacy shares her journey from first-time mom to experienced surrogate, now entering her third surrogacy. She reflects on the challenges, joys, and emotional growth that come with carrying life for others—and the profound ripple effect it has on intended parents, children, and extended families. Listen and learn about: How Stacy navigated conversations with her spouse about surrogacy The role of faith, community, and support in her surrogacy journey Coping with failed transfers and building resilience The deep, lasting connections formed with intended parents Tips for talking to kids and loved ones about surrogacy Words of inspiration for women considering surrogacy and families hoping to grow Whether you’re curious about surrogacy or ready to take the next step, Stacy’s story shows how becoming a surrogate can create love, hope, and family across generations. 🎧 Listen to Stacy’s full story on All Things Conceivable: A Surrogacy Podcast  If you’re thinking about becoming a surrogate, there’s no better way to learn than hearing directly from women who’ve done it. Listen to our surrogacy podcast for real stories, read our surrogate journey blog posts, and watch candid videos on our Surrogacy YouTube channel. Ready to start your surrogacy journey? Learn more about how to become a surrogate!

In this empowering episode, Nazca Fontes sits down with Jenney Korasick, co-founder of Leche, to explore how one mom’s journey with breast milk oversupply turned into a revolutionary solution for breastfeeding families everywhere. From freeze-drying breast milk into a shelf-stable powder to launching a donor network that compensates and celebrates milk donors, Leche is rewriting the story of lactation support. Hear how Jenney and her co-founder Trish built Leche from the ground up—with moms at the center of every decision. Whether you're navigating your own breastfeeding journey, overwhelmed by your freezer stash, or curious about how to give back—this episode is a must-listen. 💪 Because when empowered women empower women, there’s no limit to what we can achieve. 👉 Have an oversupply of breast milk? You could change someone’s world. Learn how your extra milk can empower families in need—join the Milk Donation Challenge today. 🍼 Visit itsmyleche.com to learn more and get started. 🔗 Explore more lactation resources at ConceiveAbilities.com.

This special Mother’s Day episode honors the powerful story of two mothers—Rebecca and Irene—whose lives became forever intertwined through the incredible gift of surrogacy. Rebecca, celebrating her first Mother’s Day with her son Roman, shares her heartfelt journey navigating epilepsy and the decision to pursue surrogacy. Irene, a devoted mother of four and former teacher, felt called to help another family experience the joy of parenthood—a reflection of her deep compassion and family-first values. Together, these women built a bond grounded in trust, resilience, and shared purpose. From their emotional first meeting and the highs and fears of pregnancy, to the unforgettable moment of Roman’s birth, their story is a testament to the strength of women supporting women. Tune in to hear how this journey transformed not only their lives, but their families too—making this Mother's Day a celebration of love, courage, and the unbreakable connection between two extraordinary women. 🎧 Listen now to Two Women, One Dream: Celebrating Mother’s Day Through Surrogacy. Read the blog here!   Inspired by Irene to help women like Rebecca? Learn more about becoming a surrogate! Ready to take the next step? Apply to be a surrogate today! Ready to grow your family? Learn more about becoming an intended parent

In this episode of All Things Conceivable, host Nazca Fontes shines a spotlight on the incredible work of NICU nurses—those dedicated professionals who provide life-saving care to the most vulnerable newborns. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a place of both immense challenge and profound hope, where nurses and doctors work tirelessly to give critically ill infants the best chance at survival.  This Nurse Appreciation Week, Nazca welcomes two extraordinary nurses, Tori Meskin and Tia Miller. Tori and Tia are co-founders of NICUity, a platform designed to empower NICU nurses by offering essential resources, fostering education, and building a strong, supportive community. Together, they are driving change and uplifting the nursing profession in remarkable ways. Join us as we dive into their journey, their mission, and the impact they are making every day. Read the blog here! Love the episode? Learn more about NICUity and join the community that’s revolutionizing neonatal care. To keep up with the good work that these women are doing, follow @ThatNurseTia  and @NurseTori on Instagram and @ThatNurseTia and @NurseTori on TikTok. To support the nurses in your life, learn more about ConceiveAbilities #EmpowerNursesChallenge. Interested in surrogacy? Learn more about becoming a surrogate with ConceiveAbilities!

In this heartfelt episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Rachelle Chapman, a quadriplegic mother who turned to surrogacy to build her family. Listen as she shares her personal story of love, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child. From the challenges she faced navigating parenthood with a disability to her decision to pursue surrogacy, this episode sheds light on the power of hope and determination. Join us for an intimate conversation that explores the true meaning of family and the extraordinary lengths people go to create one. Inspired by Rachelle to help other women like her? Take this short survey to start your surrogacy journey today! Learn more about becoming a surrogate. Learn more about Rachelle: Diary of a Wheel Girl Learn more about ConceiveAbilities Egg Donor & Surrogacy Agency.

It’s a historic moment for reproductive rights in Michigan—and a long-awaited victory for families across the state. As of April 2, 2025, surrogacy is officially legal in Michigan thanks to the passage of the Michigan Family Protection Act. This groundbreaking new law not only legalizes compensated surrogacy, but also provides long-overdue legal clarity and protections for intended parents and surrogates. For decades, Michigan had one of the strictest surrogacy bans in the country, forcing families to go out of state or navigate the complexities of adoption just to establish parental rights. Now, Michigan has one of the most comprehensive surrogacy laws in the nation. In this episode, Nazca Fontes sits down with Michigan-licensed fertility law expert Alexis Cirel to break down exactly what this law means for both intended parents and surrogates. From the legal safeguards it provides to how it paves the way for a more inclusive and accessible surrogacy process, Alexis brings critical insight into how Michigan’s reproductive future is evolving. 🎧 Thinking about becoming a surrogate or growing your family through surrogacy in Michigan? Listen now to learn how this new law affects you.   Want to learn more about surrogacy in Michigan? Michigan’s new surrogacy law is an incredible advancement for fertility in Michigan and for families across the state. Thanks to the protections this legislation provides, thousands of families will be created. If you’re in Michigan and considering surrogacy — whether as an intended parent or a surrogate — this new law changes everything. With clear legal protections and a supportive framework, surrogacy is now a safe, accessible, and empowering option in Michigan. With nearly 30 years of experience in surrogacy and family building, ConceiveAbilities is here to guide Michigan families every step of the way. Surrogacy is a life-changing journey, and we’re honored to bring our expertise to Michigan, helping families grow with confidence and care. Learn more about Surrogacy in Michigan Interested in how to Become a Surrogate in Michigan? Learn more about the surrogacy process! Apply now to take the first step! Is surrogacy the path to parenthood for you? Michigan intended parents can take the first step here!    

In this episode of All Things Conceivable: A Surrogacy Podcast, host Nazca Fontes welcomes breastfeeding and pumping influencer Helen Avery to share her remarkable journey of overcoming early lactation struggles to achieve a successful milk supply. Helen offers invaluable guidance on maintaining and increasing milk supply, providing actionable tips for new moms, surrogates, and anyone supporting a lactation journey.   From essential pumping techniques, nutrition advice, and power pumping schedules to busting common breastfeeding myths, Helen’s insights empower moms to navigate challenges and build confidence. Whether you’re exclusively pumping, nursing, or exploring both options, this episode delivers the tools, encouragement, and community support you need to thrive. 🎧 Listen now to gain expert advice from Helen Avery and take the next step on your breastfeeding and pumping journey. Get more lactation resources at conceiveabilities.com

Breanna Seibel’s journey to motherhood is a profound story of resilience, healing, and hope. After facing infertility, the devastating loss of her son Teddy, and navigating her daughter Viviana’s NICU journey, Breanna turned to pumping breast milk as a way to reclaim control amidst unimaginable grief. In this emotional episode of All Things Conceivable, Breanna shares how breastfeeding became a lifeline—not only for her premature daughter’s survival but for her own healing process. Now an ER nurse and creator with over 200,000 TikTok followers, Breanna reflects on her NICU experience, the critical role of milk bank donations, and her journey to maintaining and increasing her milk supply. She provides invaluable advice for parents navigating pumping, from power pumping techniques to overcoming common breastfeeding challenges. Breanna’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of mothers, the impact of small acts of love, and the daily choice to find purpose in the face of grief. Tune in to hear how Breanna’s loss transformed into a mission to empower other parents and why every drop of milk—and every ounce of strength—matters. 🎧 Listen to the full episode here.

In this deeply meaningful episode of All Things Conceivable: A Surrogacy Podcast, Nazca Fontes sits down with Kristy Miller, MSW, LSW, PMH-C—certified perinatal mental health professional and a valued member of ConceiveAbilities’ Match Experience team. Together, they explore one of surrogacy’s most challenging yet often overlooked aspects: navigating perinatal loss and grief. Kristy shares her insights from the International Perinatal Bereavement Conference, shedding light on how she supports surrogates and intended parents through heartbreak, from failed embryo transfers to pregnancy loss. With her expertise and compassionate approach, Kristy explains why honoring grief, fostering open communication, and providing emotional support are essential for healing and resilience during a surrogacy journey. If you’re an intended parent, surrogate, or someone supporting this unique path to parenthood, this episode is a powerful reminder: You are not alone, and every emotion is valid. 🎧 Listen now for Kristy Miller’s invaluable guidance on moving through loss, finding connection, and continuing the journey forward.   Learn more about surrogacy at www.conceiveabilities.com

In this episode of "All Things Conceivable," host Nazca Fontes delves into the critical issue of compassion fatigue, particularly affecting healthcare professionals. The conversation spotlights the impact of constant exposure to others' trauma and introduces the #EmpowerNursesChallenge aimed at building resilience among nurses. Special guest Barbara Rubel, an expert in compassion fatigue and traumatic stress, shares insights from her extensive work and offers practical strategies using her "FABULOUS" framework. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the healthcare industry seeking to understand and combat compassion fatigue, while fostering a supportive and resilient work environment. Learn more about joining the #EmpowerNursesChallenge Learn more about Compassion Fatigue Expert Barbara Rubel

Welcome to another episode of "All Things Conceivable." Today, we dive into the early stages of the surrogacy journey, featuring Sasha, a new surrogate from Minnesota. Sasha shares her compelling reasons for becoming a surrogate and joining the Conceivabilities family. Living with her husband and two children, Sasha also runs a popular YouTube vlog called "Family Tales," where she openly shares her family adventures and personal struggles, including miscarriage and postpartum depression. In this episode, Sasha discusses the decision-making process, her family's support, and the steps she has taken so far, including the application, mental health assessment, and matching process. Tune in to hear her hopes for the future and what it means to be on the brink of this life-changing journey. Follow along with Sasha on her Familytale Vlogs YouTube Channel. Learn more about becoming a surrogate. Learn more about ConceiveAbilities All-In Surrogate Care and Compensation Package Learn more about becoming an egg donor Learn how to build your family with surrogacy and egg donation  

Welcome to today's episode where we dive into the fascinating world of lactation, a critical topic that affects all women who have given birth. At Conceivabilities, we emphasize the importance of the fourth trimester, ensuring full and healthy recovery post-childbirth through comprehensive support packages for our surrogates. Joining us today is Nikki Bredeson, two-time surrogate and founder of Cookies, Then Milk, a company dedicated to helping lactating women with their milk supply through delicious lactation cookies. Nikki, a mompreneur and two-time surrogate, shares her journey and passion for empowering women in their breastfeeding and pumping endeavors. We explore the science behind lactation cookies, the importance of community support, and the challenges and triumphs of Nikki's personal experiences. From understanding galactagogues to the evolution of her successful business, Nikki provides invaluable insights for all lactating women. Discover the rewarding aspects of Nikki's work and the incredible impact of her community, which has grown to nearly 20,000 women, offering support and education for all aspects of the lactation journey. Learn how you can optimize milk supply, navigate the fourth trimester, and find the support you need to thrive. Join us for an inspiring conversation that highlights the power of community, the importance of self-care, and the incredible journey of lactation. Follow All Things Conceivable: A Surrogacy Podcast for more inspiring stories about surrogacy. Learn more about becoming a surrogate or donating your breastmilk through the Milk Bank Challenge. Learn more about ConceiveAbilities All-In Surrogate Care and Compensation Package Learn more about becoming an egg donor Learn how to build your family with surrogacy and egg donation      

Join us on "All Things Conceivable: A Surrogacy Podcast with Nazca Fontes" for an inspiring interview with Tayler Lewis, a military spouse turned surrogate. In this heartfelt conversation, Tayler shares her journey from growing up as a military brat to becoming a devoted military spouse. With 28 years of experience within the military community, Tayler discusses the profound impact of military life on her values of service, resilience, and purpose. Discover how Tayler's passion for serving others led her to embark on a surrogacy journey with ConceiveAbilities. Through her own experiences, Tayler provides invaluable insights into the unique intersection of military life and surrogacy and how surrogacy provided Tayler with a fulfilling sense of purpose and validation. Whether you're considering surrogacy or simply seeking inspiration, Tayler's story will leave you feeling uplifted and empowered. Tune in to this episode to hear firsthand how one military spouse found profound purpose and fulfillment through the extraordinary gift of surrogacy. Follow All Things Conceivable: A Surrogacy Podcast for more inspiring stories about surrogacy Learn more about becoming a surrogate Learn more about ConceiveAbilities All-In Surrogate Care and Compensation Package Learn more about becoming an egg donor Learn how to build your family with surrogacy and egg donation