Kourtney Kardashian recently opened up about a significant health scare involving her and Travis Barker’s 7-month-old son, Rocky Thirteen Barker. The reality star revealed that she had to undergo emergency fetal surgery during her pregnancy due to a rare condition that caused fluid to accumulate in Rocky’s lungs.
In a heartfelt confession on the June 20 episode of “The Kardashians,” Kourtney shared the terrifying experience. “We had a terrifying scare,” she said. “It’s super rare—the condition that he had—but it’s also super rare and lucky that we caught it. Thank you, God, for a successful surgery. I’m honestly just so grateful, I have no words.”
Despite the successful surgery, Kourtney admitted that she was filled with fear when Rocky’s symptoms reappeared. “The fluid in his lungs actually did start coming back,” she explained. “Then I watched this documentary called Heal that was all about the power of positive thinking and how our thinking can really affect our health.”
Inspired by the documentary, Kourtney decided to change her outlook and began talking to her baby every day, saying prayers and maintaining a positive mindset. “After I had that mindset shift, the fluid was completely gone and we had not one single problem after,” she said.
Travis Barker, Rocky’s father, was also deeply concerned about their son’s health. As they headed to the hospital, which was documented on their Hulu show, he expressed his worries to Kourtney. “I don’t want him to come out early. I want to make sure his lungs are perfect—everything’s perfect,” he said.
Their son, Rocky, was born on November 1, 2023, and Kourtney described the moment as everything she had ever dreamed of. “Everything we’ve been through to get to this moment, it just feels so surreal,” she gushed. “I’m so happy in my blissful baby bubble and the love with Rocky.”
Kourtney’s journey to motherhood with Rocky has been filled with emotional highs and lows. She had previously kept the details of the surgery private, only disclosing that a concerning ultrasound led to the “traumatic” procedure. “There’s a hole in the amniotic sac from where they had to go in,” she explained. “I’m not allowed to drive. I’m not allowed to stand for more than 20 minutes. I’m really not leaving the house.”
Kourtney also shares three other children—Mason, Penelope, and Reign—with her ex-boyfriend Scott Disick. However, her focus has been on her new family with Travis Barker. On Father’s Day 2024, Kourtney shared a heartfelt tribute to Travis on Instagram, expressing her gratitude for the father he is to their baby boy and all their kids. “You keep us safe and protected and take care of us. Having a family with you is heaven. Happy to celebrate you!” she wrote.
The couple has shared numerous precious moments with Rocky on social media, from beach days to family vacations. Travis commemorated Kourtney’s first Mother’s Day with Rocky, writing on Instagram, “Happy Mother’s Day to my best friend and partner. Our children are so lucky to have you. Thank you for filling our home with love, laughter, and joy.”
Kourtney’s positive thinking and prayers played a crucial role in Rocky’s recovery. “After I had that mindset shift, the fluid was completely gone,” she said. The couple’s journey has been documented on their Hulu show, giving fans an intimate look at their lives and the challenges they have faced.
As Kourtney and Travis continue to share their journey with their fans, they remain grateful for the health and happiness of their baby boy, Rocky. Their story is a testament to the power of positive thinking and the strength of family bonds.