Belly Casting

[susan1]

I did not know where to put this so....


I would like to try to do a belly cast...and I think I have the right client that would not mind me trying it on her.....So how do I get started?


Thanks,

Susan

[tlcdoula]

Belly casting is actually very easy!!!! First of all you need to purchase the gauze (sorry can't think of the name of it). Make sure you get one that is medical grade - it will already have the stuff on it so all you have to do is dunk it in water and apply.

Basically you make sure that mom lubricates all the areas that you will be casting very well. I have heard some use olive oil, Vaseline, etc. I always try to encourage the mom's that I am working with to stand for the process because if they sit when they start out and then stand up for you to get the underside of their belly it changes the "form" of the belly and if the top has started to dry it can cause all sorts of problems.

So the moms I work with always stand and then I have a bucket of warm water. I have the gauze cut into strips, some longer and some shorter. If mom is going to do breasts too I always start by covering her breasts so that she isn't uncomfortable standing there forever. You dunk a strip in the water, and then run your hand down the width to squeeze out the excess water and then you apply it to mom's body. You make sure you put several layers on and then mom leaves it on until it starts to dry and separate from her body and then you gently remove it. If you see areas after it is removed where there isn't enough gauze then you can apply a few more laters while it is off.

You then want to lay it belly side down to dry for several days. You or the mom can then finish the cast out with gesso and paint it or whatever you want to do with it.

It really isn't that hard to do

[susan1]

for the reply!

How many layers of gauze though?

And were do I get the gauze from?


Susan

[DL]

Hey Susan,

I don't know anything about bellycasting....well....now maybe I do! I found Michelle's post very informative!

I don't know if this interests you, but you may want to check out MamaBellies' post in the alldoulas.com classifieds.

http://alldoulas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180

[tlcdoula]

I bought my gauze online and got enough gauze to make four to five belly casts for under $30. I can't remember who I bought it through, but I know that occasionally I get a copy of their catalog. It is a medical supply company.

You can also buy it at a craft store, but it is very expensive when buying it there. I did that once and it cost me $30 just for the gauze for one bellycast. Plus the gauze wasn't as nice as the medical stuff I bought. The medical stuff dries really fast.



Okay, I found the site that I ordered it from. It is Moore Medical and the prices are as follows:

4 inches by 5 yards for $18.35 (for 12 rolls of gauze)
5 inches by 5 yards for $21.95 (for 12 rolls of gauze)
6 inches by 5 yards for $24.95 (for 12 rolls of gauze)

They do charge an $11 service fee if you do not order $100 worth of stuff, but if you think about it even if you bought the first one listed above and paid the $11 service fee/shipping and handling that price would only be $29.35 and that would make several bellycasts depending on how much of the body you are casting. Since these rolls are so long it is easy to make at least four bellycasts with one order.

I don't want to cut into anyone who is selling kits (especially since I sell them as well , but reality is if you are going to add this to your doula services to make a profit you would be better of purchasing the supplies yourself to maximize your profit. Instead of paying for one "kit" you can buy enough supplies to make several bellycasts and still charge the same amount for doing the bellycast.

[Matrescence]

Hey Susan

You can purchase the plaster strips through medical supply companies and save a little money like Michelle said . The main reason I use ProudBody kit is because it's a name people can trust, Wendy does some major marketing and everything I need is in one box

I've heard not so good things about plaster strips from craft stores, just that they don't hold up as well. I'm not sure if it would make a difference if you were really good about sealing it or not?

You can see a complete photojournal of a casting session on our site here: http://www.mamabellies.com/casting.htm

Also there's a person who's trying to teach classes to learn how to do this, I'm not sure how others feel about it, it might be fun but truthfully it's so easy to learn it just seems like a waste of money. I've been approached to do classes and instead just offer to have someone come along with me to help with a casting then they don't have to pay for it but still get that one on one experience

[tlcdoula]

I totally agree - I couldn't imagine holding a class to teach someone how to do this unless it was for fun and free (meaning lots of doulas getting together to try it out or practice, which I know a few have done).

Like you mentioned I also like the medical grade gauze better - it is also faster drying and seems to be easier to work with. The one I did by buying the materials at the craft store was done only because my sister was due really soon, and I ran out of gauze. Funny thing was she wanted the cast so badly, but now 2 yrs later she brought both of her bellycasts to my house and said I could have them because she doesn't want them. Works great for me because they are in my office LOL

[Matrescence]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlcdoula I totally agree - I couldn't imagine holding a class to teach someone how to do this unless it was for fun and free (meaning lots of doulas getting together to try it out or practice, which I know a few have done).

Doesn't that sound like fun... lots of women, snacks, music and plaster

[susan1]

girls. Can't wait to try it.

oh, do I need the "fast" or 'extra fast" gauze.


Susan

[tlcdoula]

Quote:

Originally Posted by susan1 oh, do I need the "fast" or 'extra fast" gauze. Susan

Both work pretty good and dry in a reasonable amount of time. Honestly I didn't notice a difference.

[Matrescence]

I didn't either

[susan1]

You guys have a contract for clients to sign? If you do what does it say...or can I see your contract?

Susan

[tlcdoula]

Quote:

Originally Posted by susan1 You guys have a contract for clients to sign? If you do what does it say...or can I see your contract? Susan

Are you asking if we have a contract for doula services or something else? Sorry I am confused

[susan1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlcdoula Are you asking if we have a contract for doula services or something else? Sorry I am confused

Sorry ...Do you have a contract for clients to sign for belly casting?


Susan

[tlcdoula]

Quote:

Originally Posted by susan1 Sorry ...Do you have a contract for clients to sign for belly casting? Susan

I don't. The reason I don't is because I obtain payment before I do the belly cast.