Zonta breast cushions have been softening the pain of surgery for decades

Volunteers at Zonta clubs across Australia make the cushions, which are worn under the armpit and attached by a shoulder strap. They cut the fabric, stitch them together, stuff and wrap them and are supplied where needed.

Tens of thousands of these cushions have been produced and gifted to breast surgery patients by club members and supporters who will never see the individual who receives one. Once received, the cushion belongs to the patient forever.

Australia has three Zonta districts:

A club in District 24 was the innovator of the Zonta Breast Cushion. As the original cushions were so well received and needed, clubs around Australia adopted the project and started to supply hospitals where breast surgeries were performed. Zonta clubs liaise with whomever is the nurse in charge of the ward or the services for breast cancer patients.

The cushions have a uniform shape, based on the original design template. From there, the variations begin. Different clubs use different fabric, depending on their climate and supply availability, different colours, different ribbons, and include messaging which may vary on the club's location or details.

The stuffing needs to be new, light and washable, and suitable for wear close to the body. Crumble foam, such as that used in toys, is not suitable.

When supplying major hospitals who have a wide variety of patient ages, a range of colours or prints of cotton fabric are supplied. The nurse responsible can then offer options for the patient.

Clubs have a group of supporters who assist in cutting, sewing, stuffing and wrapping the cushions ready for distribution. It may be a local sewing group, a family group, or in some locations, school groups such as Zonta Z clubs who make the cushions.

Zonta Club of Adelaide Torrens makes about 30 cushions a month, which are supplied to the Breast and Endocrine Centre at Adelaide's Burnside Hospital. McGrath Breast Care nurses pass the cushions onto patients. The club also gives cushions to women in need who may not necessarily be patients at Burnside.

The club's breast cushion coordinator Judy Lovett said the group does it because they like to support women in need.

"There is great satisfaction in women working together to support other women and the Breast Cushion project is just part of this," she said.

"We run this project because there is a very significant demand for cushions."

If someone wants to donate fabrics, stuffing or other components, they can reach out to their local Zonta branch, which can be found by clicking here and then navigating to their relevant district.

Thanks to Lyn Agnew, District 22 board chair, and Jasmine Koch, District 23 Breast Cushion Project Coordinator 2022-2024, for contributing to this article.