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 contact us!

 

 

Is it hard to make a belly cast?

Absolutely not!  There’s no need to have any artistic ability to be able to create a beautiful belly cast.

 

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

If you’re only planning on making one belly cast during your pregnancy, we suggest anywhere between 34 to 38 weeks of pregnancy so that your belly cast most accurately represents your body at full term.  We know of some women who have done their belly casts just days before delivery, but babies have a way of arriving on their own time schedule so don’t wait until the last minute, otherwise 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!  We use only the highest grade of medical plaster gauze because, unlike artist’s plaster, medical plaster is designed for use on the body.  Further, our bellylube™, which is included, creates a protective barrier between the plaster and your skin. It allows your finished cast to be removed comfortably and, because it’s 100% natural, it will soak right into your skin so there’s no need for cleaning up any mess afterward.  Of course, if you have any specific concerns about making a belly cast, though, you should consult with your doctor.

 

What can I do with my finished pregnancy belly cast?

A belly cast is most often hung on a wall, but it can also be displayed on a baby’s dresser or used to hold socks and toys.  A finished belly cast can be decorated or left just as it is after it’s completed.  We give suggestions for decorating and directions on how to seal and care for your finished cast in our instruction sheet that’s included with the bellycaster™.  Ultimately, decorated or not, hung or sitting in a baby’s nursery, a belly cast is always beautiful and unique.

 

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

It’s true that belly casting 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 us or previously used Vaseline® as their lubricant.  We can only assume that, because it is a petroleum 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 contacts 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.  Regular facials are designed to address specific skin issues.  So does the bellyfacial™.  And, just as 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 for use at any stage of pregnancy.  Use it whenever your skin is feeling dry, tight or itchy, or whenever you just need a treat!

 

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

Most whipped body butters that you find in stores have water as the first ingredient.  While that can lead to a lighter, fluffier product, it’s also a breeding ground for bacteria.  Therefore, any product that contains water must also contain a preservative, which is generally derived from chemicals.  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 would be 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 made from refined shea butter.  Because chemicals are used in the refining process, we have chosen to use unrefined shea, which naturally has a more yellowish color.

 

Can I use bellybalm™ anywhere else on my body?

Of course!  Our bellybalm™ is safe for use from head to toe and on any member of the family!  We’ve personally used it on legs, arms, feet, faces, and even as lip balm.  Our favorite “non-mama” use, though, was by a customer’s husband who used it on his skin while going through chemotherapy and radiation.  He says it worked far better than what the hospital gave him!

 

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?

Our fulfillment policy is to ship your order within 36 business hours of receiving your order.  ALWAYS.  Standard shipping within the continental United States 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 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 US Virgin Islands, Guam or any of the other US protectorates, then shipping is handled through standard carriers.

 

Do you ship outside the United States?

YES!  We do ship internationally.  Please contact us directly to place your international order and we will arrange for shipping to your location.

 

Can I get rush delivery of my order?

YES!  You can choose an expedited shipping method when you check out.  Once you’ve placed your order, you will be able to choose which shipping method you prefer.

 

How can I contact you if I have questions about my order?

You can contact us 24 hours a day.  All email inquiries are answered within 1 business day.  You can also phone us, Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm Pacific Time, at 360.606.7810.

 

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 the purchase 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 email 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 seven 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.  Will never share or trade your personal information with anyone, anytime...ever!