Behind the Scenes of the Surrogate Matching Process
Building a family through surrogacy is one of the most meaningful journeys a person can take. It is also one of the most personal. At Over the Rainbow Surrogacy, we believe that successful surrogacy begins long before medical milestones or legal contracts. It begins with connection, trust, and a thoughtful surrogate matching process that honors everyone involved.
We are sharing how personalized surrogacy matching works at Over the Rainbow, why it matters so deeply, and how our approach supports healthy, respectful, and emotionally supported journeys for both surrogates and intended parents.
Why the Surrogate Matching Process Matters
Surrogacy is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Every surrogate brings her own motivations, family dynamics, health background, and communication style. Every intended parent brings unique hopes, expectations, cultural values, and life circumstances. When these elements align, the journey feels supported rather than stressful.
A thoughtful surrogate matching process helps:
Build trust between surrogates and intended parents
Reduce misunderstandings and misaligned expectations
Support emotional well-being throughout the journey
Create a strong foundation for long-term communication
Research from organizations like the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) emphasizes the importance of psychological screening and mutual compatibility in third-party reproduction, reinforcing how critical matching is to long-term success.
Our Philosophy: Personalized Surrogacy Matching
At Over the Rainbow, we intentionally take a boutique, relationship-centered approach. Personalized surrogacy matching means we are not simply pairing profiles on paper. We are taking time to understand the full picture of each surrogate and each intended parent.
This approach reflects our belief that surrogacy works best when it feels human, not transactional.
Personalized matching allows us to consider:
Emotional readiness
Communication preferences
Family values and expectations
Comfort levels around contact during and after pregnancy
Medical compatibility
By slowing down the process and prioritizing alignment, we help create journeys that feel grounded and supported from day one.
Step One: Getting to Know Our Surrogates
Before a surrogate is ever considered for matching, she completes a comprehensive screening process. This step ensures safety, preparedness, and readiness while also helping us truly understand who she is beyond the basics.
Medical and Health Screening
Surrogates undergo medical record reviews, fertility history evaluations, and health assessments in line with clinical standards outlined by trusted organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
These steps help ensure that surrogates meet established health guidelines for gestational surrogacy and are physically prepared for pregnancy.
Psychological Evaluations
Equally important is emotional readiness. Independent mental health professionals assess a surrogate’s understanding of the surrogacy journey, her support system, and her motivations. This process protects everyone involved and ensures surrogates feel confident and informed.
Psychological screening is widely recognized as best practice in third-party reproduction, including guidance outlined by mental health professionals within reproductive medicine.
Lifestyle and Support System Review
We also take time to understand a surrogate’s daily life. This includes family support, work flexibility, stress levels, and overall stability. A supported surrogate is better positioned to support a healthy pregnancy and positive relationship with intended parents.
Step Two: Understanding Intended Parents
Matching is a two-way process. Just as we take time to know our surrogates, we invest deeply in understanding intended parents.
Goals and Expectations
We talk openly with intended parents about:
Their vision for the journey
Communication preferences
Desired level of involvement during pregnancy
Comfort with boundaries and flexibility
These conversations help us identify what matters most and where there may be room for compromise.
Cultural, Personal, and Family Values
Surrogacy journeys often span months or even years. Shared values and mutual respect make a significant difference. We consider cultural considerations, family dynamics, and long-term hopes for connection after birth.
Emotional Preparedness
Intended parents often arrive at surrogacy after long fertility journeys. We approach this with empathy, helping ensure they feel emotionally prepared for the unique aspects of surrogacy, including trust, patience, and shared decision-making.
Step Three: The Matching Process in Action
Once both surrogates and intended parents have completed screenings and onboarding, the personalized surrogacy matching begins.
Reviewing Compatibility
Our team carefully reviews compatibility across several dimensions, including:
Medical considerations
Communication styles
Expectations around contact
Shared values and priorities
This step is not automated. It is guided by experienced professionals who understand the nuances of surrogacy relationships.
Presenting a Thoughtful Match
When we identify a potential match, we present profiles in a clear, respectful way. Both parties are given time to review, reflect, and ask questions. There is no pressure to move forward unless everyone feels comfortable.
Facilitated Introductions
If both sides express interest, we facilitate introductions in a supportive environment. These conversations allow surrogates and intended parents to connect, discuss expectations, and begin building trust.
This stage is often where relationships truly begin to form.
Ongoing Support After Matching
Matching is not the end of our involvement. It is the beginning.
Continued Guidance
Once a match is confirmed, Over the Rainbow remains closely involved. We provide guidance through legal steps, medical coordination, and emotional support throughout the pregnancy.
Emotional and Mental Health Support
We encourage ongoing emotional check-ins and can connect participants with mental health professionals experienced in reproductive journeys. Organizations like the American Psychological Association highlight the value of mental health support during major life transitions.
Clear Communication Channels
We help establish communication expectations early and support adjustments as needed. This helps prevent misunderstandings and strengthens relationships.
Ethical Standards and Best Practices
Ethics are central to everything we do. Our surrogate matching process aligns with established ethical frameworks within reproductive medicine and family building.
We stay informed through research and guidance from reputable institutions such as the National Institutes of Health, which supports research into maternal health, pregnancy outcomes, and ethical care.
By grounding our work in best practices, we protect the well-being of surrogates, intended parents, and babies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the surrogate matching process take?
Timelines vary based on availability, preferences, and medical compatibility. At Over the Rainbow, we prioritize quality over speed, ensuring matches are made thoughtfully rather than rushed.
Can intended parents have input in the matching process?
Yes. Personalized surrogacy matching means your preferences and comfort levels matter. We work collaboratively with you throughout the process.
What if a match does not feel right?
There is no obligation to move forward. Both surrogates and intended parents are encouraged to speak openly. Our role is to support informed, confident decisions.
How do you support surrogates emotionally?
We provide ongoing guidance, encourage professional mental health support when needed, and maintain regular communication throughout the journey.
Why Families Choose Over the Rainbow
Families and surrogates choose Over the Rainbow because we lead with empathy, transparency, and care. Our personalized surrogacy matching process reflects our belief that every journey deserves attention, respect, and genuine support.
We are proud to serve intended parents of all backgrounds and surrogates who feel called to help build families in a meaningful way.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Whether you are considering becoming a surrogate or exploring surrogacy as an intended parent, we are here to guide you.
Contact Over the Rainbow Surrogacy today to learn more about our surrogate matching process and how personalized surrogacy matching can support your family-building journey.
Your story matters, and we would be honored to be part of it.