Table 2 Steps taken for the IPA

1. Prepared transcripts for analysis (pseudonyms were given, identifying details were taken out and line numbers inserted). (By first author)

2. Free coding followed up by a close, line-by-line analysis, was completed to understand each participant’s concerns and claims. (By first author)

3. Emerging themes were then established for each individual case in conjunction with regular supervisions. (By first & second author)

4. Then, from the researcher’s own understanding of theoretical frameworks in Psychology and from reflections from her own stillbirth experience, an interpretive dialogue was established and this was also highlighted in each transcript. (By first & second author)

5. For each case a narrative overview, summarising emerged themes and the researcher’s own interpretation and speculation for each case, along with the line by line coded transcripts, was established. (By first & second author)

6. All participants’ identified themes were presented side by side in a table for general visual overview. This was then used towards establishing the structure of the main and sub themes. (By first & second author)

7. Then all participants’ experiences were tabulated, this time according to the established structure and presented in a table in which the participants’ contribution was indicated. (By first author)

8. A narrative of women’s experience, evidenced by extracts from participant’s accounts, was then developed in conjunction with the established structure. (By first author)

9. The final analysis and interpretations were also overseen by the 3th and 4th authors, and the overall findings in relation to perinatal loss, attachment and mental health literature were assessed.