The Casting
Process
The casting procedure is usually
done 2 - 6 weeks before your due date, sooner if you carry
big or are expecting more than one baby. The entire casting
process takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours - depending
on how much of your body you plan to cast. Most women are
unclothed to get a more accurate replica of their body. However,
wearing undergarments is an option as well. Just before the
start of the casting process, you are asked to apply Vaseline
or another lubricant to your body where the plaster-cloth
will come in contact. The lubricant creates a barrier between
your skin and the plaster-cloth, so that when it hardens it
can be removed easily. As the warm plaster-cloth is applied
it is smoothed to blend the plaster and conformed to your
body contours. All this is done while you are seated comfortably
in a supported position.
The casting material will begin
to harden on your body as Debra covers the rest of your torso.
Ideally, you stay as still as is comfortable and breathe normally.
Cracks from breathing, laughter or the moving baby are normal
and can be repaired easily once the cast is removed.
To remove
the cast, Debra gently breaks the seal around the edges with
her fingers, holds the cast firmly, and carefully removes
it from your torso as you wriggle out of it. Once it is off
your body it is supported while it dries further. To make
a cast that is "ready-to-hang" typically takes 1 - 2 weeks.
Depending on how you want the product finished, it may take
longer.
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