Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker have opened up about their challenging journey to parenthood in their latest documentary, revealing the serious complications they faced during Kourtney’s pregnancy with their son, Rocky Thirteen. Born in November 2023, Rocky’s arrival came after a history of personal loss and medical hurdles for the couple.
In the Hulu series “Travis Barker: Louder Than Fear,” the pair candidly discussed the traumatic fetal surgery that was necessary to ensure Rocky’s survival. During the documentary, Kourtney, aged 47, described a harrowing moment when she learned from her doctor that their baby’s lungs were filling with fluid. Travis, the 50-year-old Blink-182 drummer, recounted the emotional phone call he received while on tour in Europe, where Kourtney urgently informed him of the alarming news.
“The baby’s lungs are filling with fluid,” Kourtney told Travis, prompting him to recount, “It was terrifying going in for the surgery.” The procedure involved doctors needing to drain the fluid by placing a needle through Kourtney’s abdomen—a distressing experience that understandably filled her with anxiety. Displaying unwavering support, Travis cancelled four shows to be by her side in the hospital, ensuring she felt comforted during the ordeal.
The couple’s situation was made even more poignant by their previous experience of miscarriage, which they also revealed in the documentary. Barker shared that the emotional fallout from that loss had left them more apprehensive throughout the pregnancy. “Once you’ve experienced a miscarriage, you’re just waiting for something awful to happen,” he said, encapsulating the anxiety that often accompanies such a journey.
Kourtney recounted the couple’s devastating loss in 2021 when they were expecting a daughter, whom they had intended to name Tulip. Tragically, during a routine three-month scan, they discovered that the baby’s heartbeat had ceased. “When we lost the baby, we were devastated,” Kourtney reflected, expressing the profound grief that enveloped them as they mourned in bed for several days.
Adding to their challenges, Kourtney underwent several rounds of unsuccessful in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments in an attempt to conceive again. These attempts spanned a year and included five failed cycles alongside three retrieval procedures. Ultimately, she chose to discontinue the treatments, feeling a sense of relief and renewed hope as she put her faith in God’s plan for her family. “I stopped after a year of trying, my body relaxed and I believed in God’s plan for my life,” she shared in a Q&A session in May 2024.
The couple welcomed Rocky Thirteen after this tumultuous period, reinforcing Kourtney’s belief in the importance of prayer and optimising health. The birth of their son not only represented a joyful new chapter for the couple, but also provided Travis with another opportunity to embrace fatherhood. Kourtney expressed her gratitude in the documentary, saying that Rocky’s arrival granted Travis the chance to do what he loves most—being a devoted father.
Kourtney brings three children—Mason, 16, Penelope, 13, and Reign, 11—from her previous relationship with Scott Disick, while Travis is a father to son Landon, 22, daughter Alabama, 20, and stepdaughter Atiana De La Hoya, 27, with his former wife, Shanna Moakler.
Their story of resilience resonates with many as Kourtney and Travis navigate the complexities of family dynamics, revealing the importance of support, faith, and love as they embrace their new roles as parents once more. As they continue to share their experiences through the lens of their documentary, fans can witness the challenges and triumphs that come with building a family in the public eye.