A personal blog penned by a young mother five years before she killed her infant daughter has revealed how her once-happy life spiralled into tragedy in the space of just three months.
Melissa Arbuckle, 32, laid her three-month-old baby on train tracks at a Melbourne station in July, while in the grips of severe major postpartum depression and psychosis.
Her little girl died while Arbuckle was seriously injured.
Since giving birth, the new mother had been battling a personal struggle with her mental health, which, sadly, was diagnosed a day too late.
But prior to the short three month decline, Arbuckle lived a successful, happy life as a well-respected veterinarian who travelled the world with her husband, Jed.
Arbuckle’s struggle is unfortunately not uncommon, with about one in every seven women who give birth in Australia each year developing postnatal depression.
Melissa Arbuckle, 32, (pictured with her husband Jed) killed her three-month-old daughter in July while suffering from postnatal depression
Five years ago, when she wrote a blog sharing her dream to have children with her partner, she had no way of knowing she would be one of them – or that it would have such a devastating outcome.
In fact, she reported that she had never been ‘unhappy’ and said, for her, happiness lay in the simple things in life, like ensuring bills are paid, spending time with loved ones and friends, and travelling often.
‘I’ve never considered myself to be unhappy and I’m incredibly fortunate to be able to say that, but there are certainly ways to strive to live a happier life,’ Ms Arbuckle wrote.
In 2016, Arbuckle, then known as Melissa Germano, started a page on WordPress dedicated to expressing gratitude towards the things in her life, frequently posting about her ambitions and beliefs in the importance of maintaining good health.
In November of that year, she revealed she had undergone treatment after suffering from a condition affecting her uterus and how the incident had inspired her to begin taking her health seriously with the intention of one day having a family.
‘This trip to hospital was the beginning of my journey to start focusing on my health. I’m not getting any younger and I look forward to having a family of my own one day so I decided it’s time to take my health seriously,’ she wrote.
Arbuckle kept a personal blog, where she journaled about trips overseas with her husband Jed and her dreams of one day starting a family
The couple’s life appeared to be filled with adventure, with Arbuckle sharing photos and stories about their travels across Australia and Japan.
She also previously blogged about her passion for animals and her time volunteering to teach young children about pet safety and responsible pet ownership.
Arbuckle worked at a veterinary clinic in inner eastern Melbourne for several years.
The University of Melbourne graduate also expressed that she was a believer in keeping a healthy mind and body and listed family as one of the most important things in her life.
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Reflecting on the new year in early 2017, she said the past 12 months had been the best in her life.
‘2016 was one of the most enjoyable and productive years of my life,’ she wrote.
‘I am so grateful for the experiences I had, my personal growth and the support and encouragement from my wonderful boyfriend Jed, my close friends and family.’
But her once-thriving life tragically started to decline as she battled postpartum depression after the birth of her child.
Moments before the tragedy, Arbuckle sent a message to her husband to let him know where they were out for a walk.
Arbuckle (pictured) worked at a veterinary clinic in inner eastern Melbourne for several years
The 32-year-old has pleaded guilty to killing her daughter and will face court again next week
‘Muffin was losing it after feed so I’ve gone for a walk with her,’ she wrote.
Mum and baby then continued their walk where they waved at trains and texted the woman’s mother and sister.
Then Arbuckle began researching train speeds and timetables, an agreed summary released by Melbourne Magistrates’ Court said, according to The Herald Sun.
Around 5pm a train noticed Arbuckle acting ‘suspicious’ near train lines and activated the emergency brakes.
The baby was struck and thrown under the carriage while Arbuckle was left with serious injuries.
Witnesses rushed to help the pair and helped to pull out the still breathing baby.
Arbuckle sent her husband (pictured together) a message moments before the tragedy telling him she was out walking with their daughter
A train noticed Arbuckle acting ‘suspicious’ and activated the emergency brakes. The mother laid the baby on the tracks in front of the train (stock image)
Emergency services arrived shortly after and found Arbuckle repeatedly hitting herself in the head with a stone.
The baby girl died later that night at the Royal Children’s Hospital after she was flown from the scene.
The day before the incident Arbuckle shared she had been suffering from suicidal thoughts and was diagnosed with severe major postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis the day after.
Arbuckle faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday where she pleaded guilty to one count of infanticide for the incident in July.
Magistrate Donna Bakos granted Arbuckle bail to reappear before the Victorian Supreme Court for a directions hearing on December 21.
‘This is an extraordinarily tragic event and it’s tragic for many, many people,’ Ms Bakos said.
For confidential 24-hour support in Australia call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue 1300 22 4636.
For postpartum depression support call PANDA on 1300 726 306.
Source: Daily Mail
