Abstract: The purpose of this study was to gain understanding of the emotional experiences of surrogate mothers by (a) examining the nature and quality of their object relations, both conscious and unconscious, and (b) evaluating their surrogacy experience from a psychoanalytically informed developmental perspective. Object Relations theorists assert that individuals develop internal psychic structures (schemata) that govern, or at least influence, all of their relationships. These schemata emerge from the relationship with the primary caregiver(s) during an individual's infancy; however, theorists generally agree that development continues throughout the life cycle. The eight participants were surrogate mothers who had given birth to at least one child through surrogacy within the past two years. Each of them met once with the researcher for approximately 3-1/2 hours, at which time they completed a demographic questionnaire and three measures: (1) Semi-structured interview, (2) Assessment of Self Descriptions [Object Relations Inventory (Blatt, Bers & Schaffer, 1993)] and (3) the Rorschach Psychodiagnostic Test. Ten emergent themes were identified from the data: (1) Empathy and Mentalization; (2) Loss of an earlier familial relationship; (3) An increase in the awareness of a desire for relationship with the intended parents; (4) Expectation of future updates about the surrogate child; (5) Early emancipation from family; (6) An early desire for motherhood (conscious or unconscious); (7) Feelings of guilt reflecting religious or ethical beliefs; (8) Enjoyment of being pregnant; (9) Present and past difficulties in relationships with men including feelings of abandonment by men; (10) Independence as a self-description. Overall, the surrogates in the study reported their experiences as having been positive, although it was not uncommon for them to admit to having had disappointments and/or enduring heartbreaking situations. Findings from this study reinforce the importance of psychologists' involvement in supporting surrogate mothers as well as intended parents. Findings also suggest the attachment of surrogates to intended parents seems to have been underestimated. The results from the Rorschach and Assessment of Self Descriptions reflect the coping strategies employed by the participants to deal with narcissistic issues, leading to hypotheses about the potential reparative role of surrogacy. Also, the study supports the value of using several assessment measures, including projective techniques, to obtain comprehensive information about a surrogate's level of functioning.