ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To identify and clarify the concept of labor support. METHODS: This study used Schwartz-Barcott & Kim's hybrid model to identify the main attributes and indicators. In the fieldwork stage, data were collected in Seoul and Chenmam, Korea. The participants were five nurses working in the delivery room and four women who delivered more than two children by vaginal delivery. RESULTS: The concept of labor support was found to have nine attributes and 23 indicators in two dimensions. For the physical intervention dimension, five attributes were derived. They were pain relief, selective use of technology, ambulation/positioning, physiological pushing, and increasing comfort. For the labor support practices dimension the attributeswereprovidinginformation, relief and encouragement, family support, and presence. CONCLUSION: The concept analysis of labor support in this study could provide guidelines for ‘labor support' nursing practice and be useful for research in the women's health field.