Kourtney Kardashian Shares Baby Rocky’s Rare Lung Issue That Led to Fetal Surgery

Kourtney Kardashian explained that her and Travis Barker's son Rocky had fluid in his lungs, which led to her emergency fetal surgery in September.

By Lindsay Weinberg Jun 20, 2024 4:00 AM
| Updated Jun 20, 2024 7:12 PM
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Watch: Kourtney Kardashian Reveals Health Scare That Led to Baby Rocky's Emergency Fetal Surgery

Kourtney Kardashian is sharing more insight into her and Travis Barker's 7-month-old son's health.

The Kardashians star opened up about the reason she underwent emergency fetal surgery during her pregnancy in September, sharing in the June 20 episode that there was fluid in Rocky Thirteen Barker's lungs.

"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."

And although the operation went well, Kourtney said she was "filled with fear" following the procedure and when Rocky's symptoms returned.

"The fluid in his lungs actually did start coming back," the 45-year-old explained in a confessional. "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."

The Poosh founder was inspired to change her outlook and hope for the best.

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Pregnant Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's Road to Baby

"I started talking to the baby every day, saying my prayers," she continued. "After I had that mindset shift, the fluid was completely gone and we had not one single problem after."

Still, Travis was worried about Rocky up until he was born. 

As they headed to the hospital, which was documented on the Hulu show, he told his wife, "I don't want him to come out early. I want to make sure his lungs are perfect—everything's perfect."

Instagram/Travis Barker

And in the end, their son, born Nov. 1, is just that. 

"It's everything I've ever dreamed of," Kourtney gushed on the show. "Everything we've been through to get to this moment, it just feels so surreal."

She added, "I'm so happy in my blissful baby bubble and the love with Rocky."

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Now, fall in love with Rocky too by taking a look at his baby album…

Playtime With Mom

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's baby boy Rocky Thirteen Barker sported some leopard print while playing with his mother, as seen in this pic the drummer shared on Instagram in honor of his wife's 46th birthday in April 2025.

Beach Vacay

Kourtney and her baby boy enjoyed a quiet moment in the shallow ocean.

Celebrating Mom's Birthday

During her 46th birthday trip in 2025, Kourtney took a break from reviewing some home renovation plans to enjoy the view from their private jet with her baby boy.

Beach Stroller

Kourtey and Travis walked hand-in-hand with their son while on the beach in a February 2024 Instagram post.

Little Drummer Boy

In January 2025, Travis showed that his son was following in his footsteps when he posted this pic of Rocky behind a mini drum set.

Tiny Learner

Rocky was deep in a book, reading all about the Pixar movie Inside Out 2 in November 2024.

Catching Some Rays

Kourtney took her son for a beach walk, as seen in an Instagram photo she shared in November 2024. 

Disney Dad

On Rocky's first birthday, Travis took his son to meet Mickey Mouse at Disneyland.

House of Mouse

The baby boy got to take home his very own Mickey Mouse balloon during his visit to the Happiest Place on Earth.

Around the World

Rocky played with some unique toys, embracing a globe bouncy ball and a skeleton prop ahead of Halloween.

Bat Baby

For Rocky's first Halloween, Kourtney and Travis dressed him in a sweet bat onesie.

Spook-tacular

At 11 months, Rocky also sported a skeleton outfit for Halloween 2024.

By the Shore

The couple took Rocky to the ocean in an October 2024 snap.

Growing Up Fast

He took in the views in September 2024. 

Spot the Tot

The reality star bundled up in a cheetah print coat as she carried Rocky in this snapshot shared by Travis in September 2024.

Miss You

The Blink-182 drummer kissed his baby boy on the cheek in this September 2024 picture.

Mother-Son Selfie

Say cheese! Kourtney snapped a breastfeeding selfie with Rocky in September 2024.

Tour Life

In August 2024, Kourtney shared photos from the road as the family joined Travis on Blink-182's summer tour, including this snapshot of herself nursing Rocky backstage.

Aliens Exist

Rocky had a blast riding on an UFO buggy backstage at a Blink-182 show.

Father's Day Tribute

"Happy Father’s Day @travisbarker !!" Kourtney wrote to Travis on Instagram on Father's Day 2024, sharing never-before-seen pics of her husband with their son. "Beyond grateful for the Dad that you are to our baby boy, and all of our kids."

Kisses for Baby

Kourtney continued, " You keep us safe and protected and take care of us. Having a family with you is heaven. Happy to celebrate you!"

Sun Day, Fun Day

Kourtney also included this pic of Travis and Rocky in her Father's Day tribute.

The Parenting Show

Travis' daughter Alabama shared this photo of the couple with baby Rocky in June 2024.

Sky's the Limit

Travis played with his baby boy on a private plane.

All the Small Things

The Poosh founder and the rocker shared a sweet kiss while holding their son Rocky, who they welcomed on Nov. 1, 2023.

Mother's Day

Travis commemorated Kourtney's first Mother's Day with Rocky, writing on Instagram in May 2024, "Happy Mother’s Day to my best friend and partner."

Baby Joy

"Our children are so lucky to have you," the musician—who is also dad to step-daughter Atiana de la Hoya, son Landon Barker and daughter Alabama Barker with ex Shanna Moakler—continued in his tribute to Kourtney. "Thank you for filling our home with love, laughter, and joy."

Family Forever

Sharing photos of Kourtney and Rocky, Travis added in his Mother's Day message, "I love you forever and ever my wife @kourtneykardash."

Rock Me to Sleep

Rocky fell asleep during this tender moment with Kourtney, who also shares kids Mason, Penelope and Reign with ex Scott Disick.

Mom Life

Travis shared a sweet look at life with their baby boy, captioning this mother-son photo on Instagram in April 2024, "I love our life together. Thank you for being the most amazing wife a person could ask for."

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View More Photos From Rocky Thirteen Barker's Cutest Photos