Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker Detail "Terrifying" Fetal Surgery on Son Rocky

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker shared more details on the fetal surgery to remove fluid from their son Rocky's lungs one month before his birth. Rocky was born on Nov. 1, 2023.

By Gabrielle Chung Aug 13, 2026 5:00 AMTags
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Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker weathered quite the medical ordeal before welcoming their son Rocky Barker.

The couple shared more details about the emergency fetal surgery Kardashian underwent seven months into her pregnancy with their baby boy, when doctors discovered that Rocky's lungs were filling up with fluid.

"I was touring, I was actually in Europe," Barker, 50, shared in his Hulu documentary Travis Barker: Louder Than Fear, explaining how he had received a phone call from Kardashian about the diagnosis. "She says, 'Trav, I went to my doctor and the baby’s lungs are filling with fluid.'"

According to the Blink-182 drummer, treatment required surgery in which doctors "drained the fluid from his lungs by placing a needle through her stomach."

“It was terrifying going in for the surgery," Kardashian, 47, added. "He canceled four shows, and he just came and laid with me in the hospital and made sure that everything was OK."

And Barker was especially concerned for Kardashian and their baby's health. As he put it, "Once you've experienced a miscarriage, you're just waiting for something awful to happen."

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Indeed, the couple journey to baby Rocky was not an easy path. Kardashian was pregnant six months into her relationship with Barker, but was informed that their baby girl—who they planned to name Tulip—no longer had a heartbeat during a first-trimester appointment.

“When we lost the baby, we were devastated,” Kardashian recalled documentary. "We just laid in bed and cried for days. All we wanted was to have a baby together."

While she went on to undergo IVF, trying five times over the course of eight months, the procedures took a toll on her mental and physical health.

Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC

"It felt like my body was shutting down," Kardashian explained. "Each time we would try it, it just felt so disappointing. It really did something that messed with me mentally. I remember crying to Travis, 'I can't do this anymore.'"

In the end, the pair conceived naturally and welcomed Rocky on Nov. 1, 2023.

"It was a miracle," raved Barker, who is also dad to kids Atiana de la Hoya, 27, Landon Baker, 22, and Alabama Barker, 20, with ex Shanna Maokler. "He's the healthiest, happiest little human I've ever met." 

Kardashian added, "Having Rocky gives him another chance to do what he loves most and does best: being a father."

Keep reading to see Kardashian and Barker's sweetest family moments with Rocky.

Dine & Dasher

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's son Rocky Thirteen Barker hilariously couldn't sit still during this family dinner. 

Whole Lotta Love

In April 2026, Travis shared this photo of Kourtney and their son, who rocked an adorable a Led Zepplin tee.

It's a Small World

Kourtney and Rocky rode on the famed Disneyland attraction.

Happiest Place on Earth

During one of the family's many Disneyland trips, the mother-and-son duo also took a spin on the King Arthur Carrousel.

Beach Boys

Travis and Rocky relaxed on the beach in early 2026.

Live Like Jack and Sally

For Halloween 2025, the couple dressed up as Sally and Jack from The Nightmare Before Christmas, while their son served as Zero.

What's This?

All hail the Pumpkin King's baby boy!

Little Pumpkin

Kourtney posted this adorable photo of Rocky behind the wheel in October 2025. 

Look Both Ways

Travis showed his son how to safely cross the street while traveling for his and Blink-182's Missionary Impossible Tour in August 2025. 

Big Foot Forward

The tiny tot took a giant step toward a menacing cutout of Sasquatch, proving he's not afraid of the fictional figure. 

Rocker in the Making

Rocky made it clear he's taking after dad Travis by playing drums in July 2025.

That's Amore

Rocky even brought along a ukulele while on vacation in Portofino, Italy, in July 2025, with Kourtney captioning the moment, "When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie."

Playtime With Mom

Rocky 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.

Swim Time

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.

Sandy 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

The Kardashians star 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.

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