* This post is sponsored by The Belly Bowl.

Over the years we have had some beautiful and some fun maternity photoshoots. Whether at home, on location or in a studio… Each shoot has been special in its own way. However, for baby number 4 we knew we wanted to do something exciting and different. Something that could involve the girls. A shoot that would become a favourite memory for our family of 5 to look back on, just before becoming a family of 6! The Belly Bowl DIY belly casting kit was the perfect activity and we can’t stop recommending it to other pregnant mamas.

Months after our son’s birth, we all love having this beautiful, tangible reminder of how incredible my body housed our little man (and his sisters too).

So let’s jump into everything you need to know:

How does the DIY belly casting kit work?

A DIY kit is sent to you and includes everything needed for your partner, children, family or friends to make the cast. Plaster of Paris is used to take the initial mould of the belly and the process couldn’t be easier…

Step 1: Measure and cut Plaster of Paris strips, to the size of your baby bump.

Step 2: Wet each strip with lukewarm water and carefully place over the belly being sure to have the strips overlap slightly.

Step 3: Smooth out and wet any dry parts and air-pockets.

Step 4: Wait for the cast to dry completely. This took around 15 minutes.

Step 5: Slowly and carefully remove the cast and let it dry for 24 hours before sending it back to the Belly Bowl studio.

What happens next?

After packaging the mould, it is sent back to the Belly Bowl studio where local artist and fellow mama, Emma Brokensha transforms it into a one of a kind keepsake. Bowl designs can be kept simple or turned into something more elaborate as Emma uses leaves and other objects to create imprints, marks and textures into the clay. Mandalas can be scratched out or maybe you’d like a personalised portrait of your newborn. Add meaningful text such as baby’s birth details, scripture and more. From the shape of your baby bump, to the colour, texture and design you choose… Each bowl is completely unique and a hand made piece of art.

Now for Pricing…

Bowls range from between R1500 and R3000+ depending on the final design. Transport cost for 3 courier trips (trip 1: to have your DIY belly casting kit delivered – trip 2: for sending your mould back to the studio – trip 3: the delivery of your belly bowl) is another additional cost and you’ll have 2 options to choose from:

Option 1: Pudo – Depot to Depot locker near you – R300 in total (3 trips)

Option 2: Door to door (ZA) – R495 in total (3 trips)

*Outlying areas will have a surcharge.

We made use of the 1st option and had no problem or complaints.

Lastly, when to make your cast?

Ideally around 36 weeks is best. Your baby bump will make a good sized bowl and usually the belly hasn’t dropped yet. There’s also less risk of “losing out” if baby makes an early arrival! However, every mom carries differently and should feel free to choose a time that suits her best.

Because this is such a special group activity it could easily be part of a baby shower or unique maternity photoshoot (like we did). It could also be a date night for parents-to-be. Even baby will be involved as you feel those tiny kicks reacting to all the attention your belly is getting.

And then… The final work of art!

We went with a simple, marble-effect in white and blue for our little man. Keeping the organic shape of my belly seeing as I wanted to remember the way he always seemed to be laying to my left side. We also added details from the day he was born as well as scripture representing the meaning behind his name.

We proudly display our Belly Bowl in our dinning room and I look at it everyday… completely in awe of how powerful and wonderful God created the female body.

For more pregnancy related posts, CLICK HERE.

PHOTO CREDIT | Photos by Celeste van der Berg Photography