Britney's Post-Partum Struggle

Posted Feb 27th 2007 12:03PM by TMZ Staff

TMZ has learned Britney Spears' troubles may have little to do with substance abuse. Sources say doctors at her rehab facility think the underlying reason for her trouble may be post-partum depression.

Sources tell TMZ that Britney's doctors have two operating theories -- either that she suffers from post-partum depression or bipolar disorder. The doctors strongly believe post-partum is the problem.

As for substance abuse, as one source says, "No doubt about it - she likes to drink." But doctors believe the drinking is a way Spears has coped with a bigger problem.

We're told Britney, who is sticking it out at the Promises rehab facility in Malibu, is currently reading Brooke Shields' book, "Down Came the Rain," in which Shields reveals her battle with post-partum depression.

We're told doctors believe Spears' problem is complicated by an intense feeling on her part that she has lost control of her life.

Filed under: Britney Spears

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46. Maybe PPD played a little role in her meltdown, but I haven't heard of too many woman who have suffered from it and kept a list of people they wanted to kill!

I think she is used to everyone bowing down to her and when k-fag cheated on her and drained her bank account she flipped out.

Posted at 1:05PM on Feb 27th 2007 by Casey

47. I would be the last person to cast stones at the actions of a woman with PPD. Sure she probably is spoiled and addicted, but it becomes a disease and it's not easy to treat. I had 4 kids by the time I was 21 and almost drank myself to death by the time I was 30. I'm glad she's getting help. All the money in the world wouldn't make her accept reality. Let's hope her children are too young to suffer any effects from her immaturity.

Posted at 1:07PM on Feb 27th 2007 by Gail

48. Yes, Britney had control of her life at one point but K-Fed has all
these woman who want him just because he's married to her.
She did not realize that having a two sons is a huge
responsibility. The ball was in her court but she rebounded.
I had P.P.D. as well as anxiety and she can get the help she
needs. She lost many fans but the only fans she needs to worry
about are her sons.

Posted at 1:08PM on Feb 27th 2007 by Carribean Goddess

49. I must admit the PPD story is a brilliant cover up! Of course people will feel sorry for her and forgive her for running around clubs night after night while she should have been taking care of her children. If the real truth was leaked out that she has a very bad drug and alcohol problem and couldn't get over k-fag people would have less sympathy for her. Glad to see most people on this blog aren't being fooled either.

Posted at 1:09PM on Feb 27th 2007 by Get Real

50. #47 NORMAL??? you must have been raised in very disfunctional family if you think her behavior is normal even for her age.

Posted at 1:10PM on Feb 27th 2007 by lety

51. I thought at first that BS might be suffering from PPD, especially given the fact that she had two children very close together - AND that still might be the case, but I am skeptical - an "expert" on a news show dismissed this as an "unlikely" scenario based on her behavior - she explained that someone with PPD doesn't normally go out every night of the week - they withdraw - BUT again everyone should be evaluated individually by a doctor - That said, I am skeptical because this might be more of a PR strategy - it sounds better having PPD than a substance abuse problem or some mental problem and thus make it easier for her re-establish herself in the entertainment business (I know many have substance problems, but she got a little wacky, perhaps too unstable for the likes of some music industry people, add to that the buzz that her new offerings are not that good - ex: Robert Downey had/has his demons but he is still a great actor - in other words the entertainment industry doesn't really care what you do, as long as there is a payday) - I do feel bad for her in a way, I know many feel that she is spoiled and has so much, but we don't know (at least I don't) exactly how her life played out - Did she really push to become who she is? or did someone (mom/dad) do some pushing? I know people say that children express this extreme desire to perform, but really isn't that instilled in them by adults? Some make it and some don't - hopefully she comes out of this okay for herself and her kids - maybe the answer means leaving the spotlight behind.

Posted at 1:13PM on Feb 27th 2007 by fez

52. This girl should be worried about getting clean! Not making up lies so Mommy and Daddy will continue to buy her cd's for thier tweens! Wake up America! This girl is trying to punk you! We'll see if people are foolish enough to fall for it!

Posted at 1:15PM on Feb 27th 2007 by Larry

53. OK....For those who don't get it, or don't want to understand, then try to.......
You are looking a girl from a small town, that makes it big who was forced to grow and become an adult at a young age. When you miss out it's hard to catch back up. Now that she is grown and had 2 babies back to back, her hormones have not recovered from the first child birth. Hormones in a sense can be dangerous if they become out of control. She needs help mentally, which is not a bad thing, she just didn't know how to come out and say it. I think this is also another way of her saying that she dose not want to part with her husband. She bases her choices on the media. WRONG thing to do. She has the pressure of pleasing others and not herself. She has been for the last 10 years. Let her live her life and if she wants to be a family with Kevin, then so be it......DO WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU BRITNEY......GO GET KEVIN AND YOUR KIDS BACK.

Posted at 1:17PM on Feb 27th 2007 by Jenna

54. Feel sorry for Britney? I feel more sorry for all the people who bought her crappy cd's and bought her squeaky clean image for all these years.

Posted at 1:18PM on Feb 27th 2007 by Tiger

55. You know....by people "wishing her well". Please be more specific......

As in "Debbie Gibson" get well? (Disappear and take the good times with you, make a good family).
------------------
As in "Bring back Britney" get well? (Get back in to the studio and make more albums)
------------------
As in "Paula Abdul" get well? ( Lay low, and later on in life come back somehow, not singing or acting, but as a "personality")
------------------
I am sure there are a million more "gell wells" but I am just trying to figure out what is it exactly that the public wants out of this chik. Its a little obvious that she gave a big "F U" to her fans with her antics over the past couple of years.

Posted at 1:19PM on Feb 27th 2007 by Bi-Polar Hippie

56. I, too, wondered all along if she had postpartum depression. Gee, she had two kids back to back! Postpartum depression is very real!!

My thoughts are with Britney right now. I hope she can get through this with help.

Posted at 1:23PM on Feb 27th 2007 by Jami

57. *BREAKING NEWS*
ANNA NICOLE SMITH AUTOPSY PICS

Posted at 1:23PM on Feb 27th 2007 by jdsu

58. Posts here are another proof how society do not understand a mental illness.

It is very difficult to change stereotypes.

I do not wish even my worst enemy to go through depression or PPD

Posted at 1:24PM on Feb 27th 2007 by ENOUGH!

59. Can't this girl go five minutes without needing attention? Cripes! Stay focused on getting well dingdong not your career!

Posted at 1:25PM on Feb 27th 2007 by Relax!

60. PPD is BS. She can't drop the PPD bomb and expect to get sympathy. She needs to work her ass off to get back in the good graces of her fans. By staying clean and sober and being a mother to her children.

Posted at 1:26PM on Feb 27th 2007 by Zack

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