Birthing By Heart

A Bellycast, or Bellymould, is a plaster cast taken of your pregnant belly, that you can then decorate, and display as a keepsake of your pregnancy.

Casting Kits are available to buy all over the internet, or you can gather the materials you need for one yourself. A good one is available here with a lovely CD that details ideas on casting, and how to decorate them!

You will need:

• Plaster Gauze Strips (available from most pharmacies, or even art stores. Gypsona is reputably the best)
• A barrier cream, such as Shea Butter, or Vaseline, so the plaster doesn’t stick to you
• A Tarp, or plastic mat to cover your working area
• Scissors
• A bowl of body temperature water

1. To cast your belly, first prepare your plaster strips,  by cutting them into 30-45cm lengths. (Measure the girth of your belly with some string, that will give you an indication of how long they need to be)
2. Cut some smaller strips about 20-25cm if you intend on casting your breasts.
3. Then, strip down, cover yourself in barrier cream. get comfortable, and get a helper to dip the strips in the water, one at a time, and working from the top down, smooth them over your belly. Overlap each strip slightly, and make sure the plaster is smooth. 2 layers of plaster will make a nice strong cast.
4. The cast should set in about 20 minutes, and you can slowly and carefully wriggle your way out of it. Stuff it with newspaper to support it, and let it dry thoroughly for about 48 hours.
5. Then you can decorate it with whatever you like, paints, moasics, decopauge….