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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(Page 5 of 26)Previous 15 Comments | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

61. Some of the 'people' commenting here need to be shot and spat on. Every time I poke my head into the comments section, I witness the further degredation of common human decency.

Some of you never listened to your mother I suppose. Those poor women.

Posted at 1:29PM on Feb 27th 2007 by Vampy

62. Just an excuse for bad behavior!!

Posted at 1:30PM on Feb 27th 2007 by thw

63. Awww. Poor little rich girl! This is her publicists at work to save her tarnished image. She's an alcoholic druggie. The shearing was to remove any evidence. She doesn't deserve your sympathies--save those for her kids!

Posted at 1:30PM on Feb 27th 2007 by Spin Cycle

64. Wow, I'm surprised how skeptical people are on the PPD theory. I think it makes a lot of sense...she's probably been just overwhelmed since Jayden's birth. Also, her impulsive actions (head-shaving, umbrella attacks, etc) do seem like a bi-polar disorder (that is manic behavior).

I don't think she's a bad person, she seems like a pretty sweet girl actually. She was so eager to have kids and be a mom at a young age... she just didn't realize how overwhelming it can be.

Posted at 1:32PM on Feb 27th 2007 by M2

65. Well 67 if you can't handle the truth why don't you go poke your head up your ass where it belongs!

Posted at 1:32PM on Feb 27th 2007 by Get Real

66. the first thing I thought of was POST PARTUM depression. She had two kids back to back and never had time rest. That stress builds up and BAM!! It hits you especially you are in the public eye and filing a divorce.
BUT.....after hearing she was using drugs before hand then I thought rich white spoiled girl needs more attention. I feel bad cuz she has kids and she is young. She needs to get over it, grow up or get help.

Posted at 1:33PM on Feb 27th 2007 by snowfairy

67. when i had PPD i was like a zombie and wanted to be left alone
didnt look like britney suffered from it!!

larry rodolf is just trying to spin this sorry on us so we excuse her bad bad behaviour as a mother
and when she gets out of rehab she will just pass those babies off to nannys again

shame on you britney and her PR people and Jive records for using the PPD card and trying to make us feel sorry for her!!

cause i dont

she just wants good comeback

#17 i agree with you 100%

Posted at 1:37PM on Feb 27th 2007 by jen

68. PPD is BS. No one belives a word that comes out of her mouth anymore. She needs to prove herself to the fans by staying clean and sober and being a mother to her kids. She can't drop the PPD bomb and think everyone will forgive her and feel sorry for her. She needs to work her ass off to get back in people's good graces. One day at a time Britney!

Posted at 1:38PM on Feb 27th 2007 by Zack

69. hey number one nik.. yeah so what if she is spoiled..i am spoiled too.. nothing wrong been spoiled okay.. but there is not excuse when you are mom.. which i am not a mom..so i really dont know..but the best medicine is when you have kids..its to get a lot of support and a love from a family. so i guess get better soon brit.

Posted at 1:42PM on Feb 27th 2007 by bunny

70. What a stupid whore!!! And now shes ugly and bald too!!! it just gets better and better!!! Where is dfacs when you need them?

Posted at 1:42PM on Feb 27th 2007 by A

71. TMZ SUCKS!!!! my comments are just as good as the rest you fuckers!!!!

Posted at 1:43PM on Feb 27th 2007 by A

72. f*** her

Posted at 1:43PM on Feb 27th 2007 by A

73. Feel sorry for someone in a $48,000 rehab facility? I don't think so....

Posted at 1:44PM on Feb 27th 2007 by A

74. woman to woman Brittany get well for your children. My daughter loves your music.

Posted at 1:44PM on Feb 27th 2007 by joanne

75. Wait a second..........How can "Doctors" go public with what they believe could be the reasons for her breakdown? Isn't that a privacy issue, regardless of whether or not she's a celebrity? That would be absolutely illegal for them to divulge medical info, speculative or not . TMZ, you'd better check your facts.

Posted at 1:44PM on Feb 27th 2007 by BEAUTIFUL WORLD

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