Britney has been “hiding out and depressed�? since her son’s incident and cancelled plans to celebrate her brother Bryan’s birthday. “She wanted to be a mother and thought she could snap her fingers and be the perfect mom,�? a “pal�? told the mag. “But Britney is learning the hard way that being a good mother is something you always have to work at.�?

Britney also reportedly hired a doctor to advise her on how to keep her tot safe. “The doctor advised her not to leave Preston on any high surfaces where he could roll off.�?

Childcare is also putting additional pressure on Spears’ marriage to her rapper hubby, Kevin Federline.