Making a belly cast is a unique and artistic way to remember the miracle of the life growing inside you.
Belly casting is a unique way to honor and preserve the amazing reality of how your body changed as your unborn child grew. While making the cast, fathers often feel a new connection between themselves and the mother, and an appreciation, if not awe, of her changing body!
Photography only provides a two dimensional image but a belly cast (also called a belly
mask) adds the dramatic third dimension of depth. In the years to come, you can view it from all angles, touch the curves, and explore the inner concavity where your baby curled up waiting to be born. Some people choose to leave their belly casts plain while others paint their belly casts or add a wide variety of embellishments.
Some mothers and fathers may feel uncertain about doing this kind of birth art. As time goes by, and your love for your baby grows, this memento will mean even more to you.
Want to learn more about how to make belly cast and what kinds of supplies are needed? Check out these links. They take a minute or two to load because they are graphic intense so be patient:
Tracey's Belly Art and Belly Casting Page
The Midwife Archives-information and a few belly casting links
Belly Casting Article from About.com Pregnancy Guide Robin
Weiss
Belly Mask Kits and Exhibit
Questions and Answers
about the casting processBelly
Casting: Preparation Creation and Decoration by Connie Banack, CD
Pregnant Lady Graphic courtesy of Ecomother.com