Britney's mom, Lynne Spears, has been frustrated but undaunted in trying to convince her daughter that she had a problem and needed help. Before Kevin took custody, it was Lynne who protected the children. She has also made Britney and the kids the priority in her life. Britney has railed against her mother; but Lynne refused to back down.

We're told uber-lawyer Laura Wasser stuck with her client as Britney appeared to self-destruct. Many lawyers are notoriously impatient and even intolerant with clients who defy orders and reason. Wasser must have figured out Britney's problems were bigger than she -- and stuck by her side.

Kevin Federline has also been a staunch supporter of his estranged wife. According to several sources, K-Fed has "stepped up to the plate" in Brit's time of need, taking care of the kids and offering Britney and her family support. He has also shown the pop princess tough love; denying her access to their young boys, even when she begged him for it. That, our sources say, was excruciatingly painful for Kevin, but he knew it was the best thing for his wife and his children. We're also told he is being "extremely reasonable" in the divorce.

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.----TMZ

Sad....Sad....Britney......I'll give her some credit that hair cut took guts......I've cut my hair really short(like boy short) before but damn,,,,,she must have been really sick of it all