Finding the Perfect Surrogate

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How to Find the Right Surrogate Mother with GSHC Surrogacy Agency

Many intended parents ask: How do I find the perfect surrogate mother?

The honest answer is that there is no such thing as a “perfect” surrogate. But there is such a thing as the right surrogate for your family. Finding her involves understanding key criteria and working with a trusted, experienced surrogacy agency like GSHC Surrogacy & Egg Donation.

At GSHC, we understand that selecting a surrogate is one of the most important steps in your surrogacy journey. Our agency is committed to matching intended parents with carefully screened, qualified, and compassionate surrogate mothers who meet both medical and personal expectations.

The Surrogate Matching Process

Finding the right surrogate mother is one of the most meaningful milestones in your surrogacy journey. At GSHC Surrogacy & Egg Donation, we take great care in creating thoughtful, values-aligned matches that meet both your emotional hopes and your clinic’s medical requirements. Our surrogate matching process is structured, transparent, and personal – designed to make you feel confident and supported every step of the way.

The Surrogate Matching Process

Finding the right surrogate mother is one of the most meaningful milestones in your surrogacy journey. At GSHC Surrogacy & Egg Donation, we take great care in creating thoughtful, values-aligned matches that meet both your emotional hopes and your clinic’s medical requirements. Our surrogate matching process is structured, transparent, and personal – designed to make you feel confident and supported every step of the way.

Step 1: Tell Us About You

The first step in the matching process is for you—the intended parent(s)—to complete a detailed profile. This helps us understand your background, preferences, and goals for the surrogacy journey. You will also be invited to write a heartfelt “Dear Surrogate Mother” letter to introduce yourself. Many surrogates find these letters deeply meaningful – it gives them a personal connection to your story and your dream of parenthood.

Step 2: Matching Consultation with Our Team

After your intake form and letter are submitted, our Client Relations Manager will schedule a one-on-one consultation with you. This is where we’ll:

• Discuss your preferences (e.g., location, lifestyle, communication style)
• Go over your IVF clinic’s requirements
• Explain the timeline, next steps, and answer any questions you may have

This helps ensure that every surrogate we present is both medically and personally suitable for your journey.

Step 3: Review Surrogate Profiles

Based on your criteria and clinic requirements, we will send you carefully selected surrogate profiles. Each profile includes:

• Personal background, family life, and photos
• Pregnancy and delivery history
• Lifestyle habits and preferences
• Views on key issues (such as communication frequency, selective reduction, etc.)

You’re encouraged to review each profile thoroughly and reach out with any questions.

Step 4: Sharing Your Profile with Surrogates

If you express interest in a surrogate, your profile and “Dear Surrogate Mother” letter will be shared with her. Each surrogate typically receives up to three intended parent profiles to review and selects the one she feels most connected to.

Please note: For fairness and clarity, each intended parent (or couple) may only pursue one surrogate match at a time. If you are planning only one surrogacy journey, you will not be matched with multiple surrogates simultaneously. This policy ensures mutual respect, avoids confusion, and protects everyone’s time and emotional investment during this important phase.

Step 5: Medical Records Review

If there is mutual interest, GSHC will send the surrogate’s medical records to your IVF clinic for review. Only once your doctor has confirmed the records are acceptable will we proceed to the next step.

Step 6: Match Meeting

Next, we’ll schedule a match meeting—a video call between you and the surrogate. This is an opportunity for both sides to meet, ask questions, and confirm that it feels like the right match emotionally and personally.

If both parties agree to move forward, the match is formally confirmed.

Step 7: Moving Forward

Once the match is official, GSHC will coordinate:

• In-person medical screening at your IVF clinic
• Legal contracts
• Surrogacy calendar and embryo transfer plan
• Ongoing support through pregnancy, birth, and newborn care

Our case management team will be there every step of the way, ensuring clear communication, compassionate support, and efficient coordination between all parties involved.

What to Look for in a Surrogate Mother

When working with a surrogacy agency, here are the top factors intended parents should consider when choosing a surrogate mother:

1. Medical and Mental Health History: A detailed review of the surrogate’s pregnancy and delivery history is essential. At GSHC, we only work with women who have had healthy, full-term pregnancies and who meet clinic-specific medical and psychological standards.
2. Motivation for Becoming a Surrogate: Understanding why someone wants to be a surrogate mother is key. GSHC screens for women who are genuinely motivated by the desire to help others and who fully understand the emotional and physical commitment involved.
3. Surrogacy History: Whether she’s a first-time or returning surrogate, her experience matters. GSHC works with both first-time surrogates (with strong support systems) and experienced surrogates who have completed successful journeys.
4. Support System: A strong support system—whether a partner, family, or close friends—is critical. GSHC ensures every surrogate mother has reliable emotional and logistical support throughout the journey.
5. Communication Preferences: Understanding how a surrogate prefers to communicate—during the journey and after delivery—is an important part of creating a positive and respectful relationship.

• Prior surrogacy experience and expectations
• Willingness to undergo certain medical protocols
• Views on termination and selective reduction
• Impact of surrogacy on the surrogate’s family
• Cultural and religious compatibility
• Post-birth contact expectations
• Relationship expectations
• Geographic considerations (beyond legalities)

GSHC’s Surrogate Screening Process

Not all surrogacy agencies follow the same process. At GSHC, we pride ourselves on offering only ready-to-match surrogate profiles that have completed a rigorous internal screening process, including:

• Legal residency confirmation (surrogates must be U.S. citizens or green card holders)
• Full medical record review (requested directly from OBs and hospitals)
• Automatic disqualification for high-risk indicators like preterm labor, preeclampsia, or high BMI
• Nationwide criminal background checks for both the surrogate and her partner
• Personal interviews with our trained intake team
• Verification of support system and financial stability

This thorough approach helps intended parents save time, avoid unnecessary risks, and increase the likelihood of a smooth, successful surrogacy journey.

Important Tips for Intended Parents

• Follow your clinic’s guidelines first. Each fertility clinic has specific medical requirements for surrogate mothers. Always balance your personal preferences with your clinic’s approval criteria.
• There is no perfect surrogate. Focus on finding a qualified surrogate who aligns with your values and is emotionally ready for the journey.
• Set clear expectations. From communication styles and lifestyle to medical decisions and boundaries, clarity helps prevent misunderstandings.
• Choose a reliable surrogacy agency. GSHC offers hands-on guidance and ongoing support from start to finish.

Why Choose GSHC Surrogacy Agency?

With years of experience and a highly selective intake process, GSHC Surrogacy & Egg Donation is one of the most trusted surrogacy agencies in the U.S. We specialize in matching intended parents with qualified surrogate mothers who meet the highest standards—medically, emotionally, and legally.

Our personalized approach, transparent communication, and compassionate team make GSHC the ideal partner for your journey to parenthood.

Finding a Surrogate FAQs

• How long does it typically take to find a surrogate?

  At GSHC, most intended parents are matched with a surrogate in just 1 to 2 months. Our efficient process and highly personalized approach set us apart – we don’t just match quickly, we match thoughtfully. Because we maintain a carefully screened pool of exceptional gestational carriers and work closely with both parties every step of the way, our intended parents benefit from a streamlined experience without compromising on quality or compatibility.

• What qualities should I look for in a surrogate?

  GSHC takes care of all screening, so you can focus on the personal match.

  At GSHC, every surrogate has already been fully screened before being presented to intended parents. This includes:

  • Comprehensive medical record review
  • National background checks
  • Thorough psychological evaluation
  • Clear confirmation of her motivation and readiness to become a surrogate

  Once a surrogate is match-ready, we encourage intended parents to focus on personal fit. Beyond the basics, here’s what we recommend considering:

  • Communication Style – Do you prefer frequent check-ins or occasional updates? Does she align with that?
  • Level of Openness – Are you hoping for a close, ongoing relationship, or something more structured?
  • Views on Key Scenarios – Consider alignment on things like carrying twins, selective reduction, or delivery preferences.
  • Support System – Does she have family or partner support to help her through the journey?
  • Work/Life Balance – Is she working, caring for children, or managing a busy household? Does this impact scheduling or stress?
  • Emotional Connection – After your match meeting, do you feel respected, comfortable, and aligned?

• How does communication between the surrogate and intended parents work throughout the process?

  At GSHC, we believe that clear communication and aligned expectations are key to a smooth and respectful surrogacy journey.

  The level and style of communication between the surrogate and intended parents are based on what both parties agree on before the match. That’s why it’s important to choose a surrogate who shares your comfort level and goals—whether you prefer frequent updates, occasional check-ins, or a close personal connection.

  Once matched:

  • Intended parents have the right to know the surrogate’s location, contact information, and have access to pregnancy-related medical records
  • Communication can take place through the agency, especially early on, or when guidance is needed
  • We encourage open, respectful communication directly between IPs and surrogates, once both feel comfortable

  Some relationships grow into lasting friendships. Others remain warm and professional. Either way, GSHC is here to support both sides, mediate when needed, and help ensure all communication stays healthy, respectful, and aligned with expectations.

  Communication is not one-size-fits-all. We help you set the tone that works for both you and your surrogate.

• Can I choose a surrogate who lives in a specific location?

  Yes, intended parents can request a surrogate who lives in a specific state or region, as long as that location is surrogacy-friendly (i.e., allows legal, enforceable surrogacy agreements).

  However, at GSHC, we generally recommend not limiting your options based solely on location. By being flexible, you may:

  • Access a wider pool of qualified surrogate candidates
  • Experience a shorter matching wait time
  • Find someone whose values and personality align better with your goals

  All of our surrogates are located in surrogacy-friendly states across the U.S., and GSHC is experienced in coordinating remote support, travel, and communication, no matter where your surrogate lives.

  Choosing the right person, not just the closest one, often leads to the best journey.