Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

Below, we have tried to answer the most common questions we hear. You can scroll down the page or, if you prefer, click on one of the quick links below to be taken directly to the topic you have questions about. If you find that your question is not answered on this page, please e-mail us info@eternalmaternal.com.

Is it hard to make a bellycast ?

Absolutely not! There's no need to have any artistic ability to be able to create a beautiful bellycast.

When is the best time for an expectant mother to make a bellycast?

If you're only planning on making one bellycast during your pregnancy, we suggest anywhere between 34 to 36 weeks of pregnancy so that your bellycast most accurately represents your body at full term. We know of some women who have done their bellycasts just days before delivery, but babies have a way of coming on their own time schedule so don't wait too long or you might miss your chance!

Will using the bellycaster™ irritate my skin?

Eternal Maternal's bellycaster™ is the first product of its kind to be all natural right from the start. The products that go into our kit are safe for mom, baby and the earth! If you still have any specific concerns about making a bellycast, though, you should talk to your doctor.

Wouldn't removing plaster from my belly hurt?

Well, it would if you didn't use some kind of barrier between your skin and the plaster. Included in the bellycaster™ is our signature belly lube™. It is 100% natural and provides an excellent barrier between mom's skin and the casting material. The belly lube™ allows the finished cast to be easily removed, and, because it's 100% natural, it will soak right into your skin so there's no need for cleaning up any mess afterward.

What can I do with my finished pregnancy belly cast?

A bellycast is most often hung on a wall, but it can also be displayed on a baby's dresser, or used to hold baby socks and toys. A finished bellycast can be decorated - we give suggestions and directions on how to seal and care for your finished bellycast in our instruction sheet that is included with the bellycaster™ - or left just as is after it's completed.

Ultimately, decorated or not, hung or sitting in a baby's nursery, a bellycast is always beautiful and unique.

Other kits include nitrile gloves. Why don't you?

It's true that bellycasting can be a messy project but why should mom be the only one to join in the fun of getting messy? Seriously, though, one of the primary benefits of nitrile gloves is that they will not break down when used with petroleum products.

Some of our competitors currently use or previously used Vaseline® as their lubricant. We can only assume that, because it is a petroleum based product, the need for nitrile gloves came about. Our concern would be, if they were/are concerned about the protection of the hands of the person doing the casting, why not over mom's belly?

The bellycaster™ has only ever contained natural products that are safe for contact with the skin. Although the plaster that is applied to mom's belly would stick to her skin without a barrier, the small amount that comes in contact with the caster's hands will wash off easily with water.

What's a bellyfacial™?

A bellyfacial™ is similar to a facial that you would use on your face but instead you use it on your belly. Just like a regular facial will leave your skin feeling fabulous afterward, a bellyfacial™ will, too!

How often can I do a bellyfacial™?

As often as you like! Our bellyfacial™ is made with 100% natural ingredients and is safe to use at any stage of pregnancy. You can use it if you're skin is feeling dry, tight and itchy; or just as a treat!

Why is your bellybalm™ firmer than other shea butters if it's whipped?

Most whipped body butters that you find in stores have water as one of the first ingredients. That can lead to a lighter, fluffier product, but it also can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Therefore, any body product that contains water as an ingredient also has to include a chemical preservative. Since we pride ourselves on creating 100% natural products, we chose to create a whipped shea butter balm that would be firmer, offer longer lasting moisturizing properties and safe for mom and baby.

If the bellybalm™ is 100% natural, why isn't it white like other shea butters I've seen?

Shea butter comes in two varieties - refined and unrefined. The white shea butter that you see is actually refined shea butter. We have chosen to use unrefined shea butter since chemicals are used in the refining process.

Can I use bellybalm™ anywhere else on my body?

Of course! Our bellybalm™ is safe for use from head to toe. We've personally used it on hands, feet, legs, arms, faces, and even as lip balm!

Is it safe to pay by credit card?

It's entirely safe. All information transmitted by you to us is secured using the latest technology in software encryption and security.

How long will it take for me to receive my order?

Orders are generally shipped within 36 hours of receiving your order. ALWAYS. Standard shipping typically takes from 1-5 business days, depending on the shipping destination. However, shipment dates are not guaranteed. If a backorder situation occurs, we will notify you immediately and ship your order when our stock is replenished. We will not be liable for any delays in shipment resulting from the occurrence of any contingency beyond our reasonable control, whether caused by the forces of nature, people or governments. Our performance shall be extended by the period of any such delay.

We ship via FedEx or UPS throughout the continental United States. If an order is being shipped to Hawaii or Alaska, to a military APO/FPO address, to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam or any of the other US. protectorates, then shipping is handled through our standard carriers. Standard shipping typically takes from 1-5 business days, depending on the shipping destination.

Can I get rush delivery of my order?

YES, we do offer rush shipping. You can choose an expedited shipping method when you check out. When you've placed your order, you will be able to choose which shipping method you prefer!

If I don't live in the United States, can I still place an order?

YES! We do ship internationally as well as within the United States, to a military APO/FPO address, to Puerto Rico, the US. Virgin Islands, Guam and any of the other US. protectorates.   And, very soon, distributors throughout the world will be stocking our products for local shipping in a variety of countries!

How can I contact you if I have questions?

You can contact us by e-mail 24 hours a day at info@eternalmaternal.com. All e-mail inquiries are answered by no later than the next business day.

May I return an order?

We'd be happy to accept your return of any unused Eternal Maternal product. Any product may be returned for a refund within 30 days of your order date. Product must be undamaged and in its original packaging with any safety seals still intact. We are the sole judge of these conditions. Please e-mail us to receive return instructions and a return approval number. Any orders sent back to us without an approval number will be returned to sender.

Upon receipt of your returned product with a return approval number, your refund will be processed within 7 business days. Your refund will be in the same form of payment as your original purchase. Your shipping charges will not be refunded unless your reason for return was due to an error on our part.

Do you sell my private information to anyone?

Eternal Maternal understands the value of peace of mind when it comes to your privacy. We will never share or trade your personal information with anyone, anytime...ever!