Earth Babies Blog

SHOP LINK: an Earth Babies product

This makes a lovely baby shower gift.

♥ this one from www.creative-baby-nursery-rooms.com

What is a belly cast?

A belly cast is a plaster of paris moulding of your pregnant belly. A 3d memory of how it was.

What comes in the kit:

Plaster of paris bandages, tub of Vaseline, Disposable gloves, Tealight candles and relaxing organic Tea (for the ambience) and instructions

How is it made:

It is made using POP bandages (you cut the bandage into strips, dip them in water and layer them over your body to create the mould). You need to first put a layer of Vaseline over your skin so that the plaster of paris releases from you and does not get stuck to your skin. The bandage is quite fast drying depending on how thick you layer it. It is very easy to do though it is advised to have someone help you.

Tips on making a cast:

♦ Use warm water to wet the bandages (from experience cold water makes for a chilly experience )
♦ Do not lie down to do the cast as this widens and flattens the belly.
♦ Make the cast when standing (or sitting)
♦ Lifting your arms above your head lifts your belly and breasts making them appear rounder. (you need to be comfortable to hold this position for 20 or so minutes)
♦ Wear underwear (skimpier the better) or place a triangle of plastic over the pubic area.
♦ You can always do the cast using 2 rolls of the bandages and then strengthen the cast later with the 3rd roll from the inside – this way the drying time on the body is shorter)

Who makes the cast for you?
It is sold as a fun ‘do at home kit’, it is not complicated so requires no qualification to get it done .

♥ It is a lot of fun to do as a couple.
♥ You could do it with a friend or a sister.
♥ Some woman have one made with their doula as this gives them some bonding time and also is a step closer to getting past the self conscious feelings you may be having about having a doula at the birth.

What do you do with it after?

That is totally up to you. There is no reason or need for it to be functional it is after all a memory – like a life size 3d photo.

Things people do with it.

Photograph your newborn inside of it. Decorate it and hang it in babies room, your house, room, as a garden sculpture, turn it into a fruit bowl

How to decorate it:

♦ You could leave it as is, paint it a colour or with black board paint or a picture on it (cute or classy), mosaic,
♦ You could write all the important birth info on it: Name, Birth date, Time of birth, Weight, Height, Place
♦ Allow other children free reign in decorating it for their new baby

Where to buy:

SHOP LINK: an Earth Babies product

Here is a google gallery of decorated belly casts

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