keeping you safe by staying closed...

Three months has now passed since I stopped belly casting.  As you may have seen from my Social Media channels I was desperately hoping that it would be possible for me to reopen on 4th July 2020, in line with other 'close contact' services.  Whilst hairdressers and barbers have been given the green light to reopen on 4th July, our Government has made it clear that beauty and nail bars, makeup, tattoo and spray tanning studios, spas, sports and massage therapy, well-being and holistic locations MUST remain closed until further notice.  Whilst Boris clearly doesn't legislate specifically for pregnant belly casting services I am aligning myself with this group of 'close contact services' due to the nature of my business which inevitably requires me to get up close and personal with pregnant women. 

Pregnant women were placed in a vulnerable group by the Chief Medical Officer on 16 March and were advised to reduce social contact through social distancing measures.  Guidelines released by The Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists for pregnant women and new mums surrounding the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) earlier this month also suggest that women in their third trimester (more than 28 weeks pregnant) should be particularly attentive to social distancing and minimise contact with others.  This advice still stands.

On this basis I am very sorry to say that Rock the Bump pregnant belly casting will remain closed to new bookings for the time being.  I will continue to sell DIY casting kits so women wishing to create a keepsake of their pregnant don't miss out and I'll be taking commissions for DIY bump cast restorations and artwork.

I'll be keeping a keen eye on changes to Government and NHS guidance and will update you as soon as anything changes.  In the meantime, I'd love to hear your thoughts.  What would make you feel safe?  I'm still receiving enquiries every day from pregnant women wanting to book in for a bump casting session with me, despite all of the above.  Belly cast artists in other parts of the world are reopen, I have risk assessments in place, handwashing and sanitizer, PPE and (weather permitting) the option of casting outdoors or in a well ventilated room but for now, at least, I'm keeping you safe by saying closed. 

​I bought a bump casting kit to do at home from you.  I’m really pleased with how it’s come out.  Thanks again for this, as it’s made pregnancy in lockdown that bit more special!! - Chloe