Khloé Kardashian openly talks about the difficulties she faced while going through the adjustment period of having a child through surrogacy. In April 2018, the reality star became a mother for the first time with the arrival of her daughter True, whom she welcomed with Tristan Thompson. Following his paternity scandal with Maralee Nichols, the former couple decided to expand their family once again.
After the birth of their son, Tatum, through a surrogate in July 2022, Kardashian and Thompson were reported to not have reignited their romance, according to an exclusive source. The insider also revealed that their second child was conceived prior to the athlete's involvement with Nichols, which led to the birth of their son Theo in December 2021. The Good American cofounder later opened up about her experiences as a mother of two, sharing both the joys and challenges.
"It's been a challenging journey for me, going through the surrogate process," Kardashian expressed candidly during a May 2023 episode of The Kardashians. Reflecting on her experience, she added, "It's truly a mind-boggling experience, unlike anything I've ever encountered before. I must admit, I do feel a sense of disconnection. Although some say it takes time to establish that bond, Kim mentioned that her experience was more effortless. Unfortunately, that's not the case for me."
Further delving into her feelings, Kardashian shared in a June 2023 episode, "Comparing my bond with him to that of True, it's a completely different experience. The connection just isn't immediate. It took me a few days to truly embrace True as my daughter. It was a matter of days. However, with him, it's taken me months. I do love him and adore children, but I haven't quite formed that deep bond yet. Many people reassure me that it simply takes time."
In a previous interview on The Jennifer Hudson Show in April 2023, the author of Strong Looks Better Naked expressed her joy in spending quality time with her baby boy. At eight months old, he is a little chunk, and she wouldn't have it any other way. Describing him as a quiet and happy baby, she considers herself fortunate to have experienced this twice, as her daughter was also similar in temperament.
Kardashian shared that True adores her role as a big sister to her sibling. Initially concerned about how True would comprehend the situation, Kardashian was amazed by how effortlessly children adapt and display their nurturing nature. She expressed how loving and maternal True is, highlighting her exceptional qualities as a wonderful big sister.
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Everything Khloe Kardashian Has Said About Forming a Bond With Her Son Tatum After Surrogate Process: 'It Takes Time'
An adjustment period. Khloé Kardashian has candidly discussed the challenges of having a child via surrogacy.
The reality star gave birth to her first child, daughter True, in April 2018 with Tristan Thompson. Despite their on-again, off-again relationship that started in 2016, the couple had another child, son Tatum, through a surrogate in July 2022. However, sources confirm that Kardashian and Thompson have not reunited romantically. It is worth noting that their second child was conceived before the athlete's scandal with Maralee Nichols, which led to the birth of their son Theo in December 2021.
"A surrogate journey, as Kim [Kardashian] can attest to, has been incredibly challenging for me. It's a complex and emotionally overwhelming experience. Truly, it's like nothing else," Kardashian shared candidly in a May 2023 episode of The Kardashians. "I do struggle with feeling less connected. While some say it takes time to forge that bond, Kim mentioned that her experience was smoother. But for me, it's far from easy."
Kardashian expressed how her bond with her son didn't develop immediately, sharing in a June 2023 episode, "Comparing it to True and him, the experience is very different. The connection, specifically. It only took me a few days to feel like 'OK, this is my daughter' with True. It was just a matter of days. However, with him, it has taken me several months. I do love him and I love children, but I haven't fully formed that complete bond. Many people say it takes time."
Earlier in the same year, the author of Strong Looks Better Naked expressed her excitement about the meaningful moments she has shared with her baby boy.
"He’s just eight months old and he's a little chubby, but I wouldn't have it any other way," she revealed during an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show in April 2023. "He's a calm and content baby, which is truly amazing. My daughter was the same, so I consider myself lucky twice."
The Hulu personality further mentioned that True thoroughly enjoys her role as a big sister to her sibling. "I was concerned because I wasn't pregnant and I wasn't sure if she would understand," Kardashian added. "But it's astonishing how resilient and instinctive children can be. She's incredibly nurturing and affectionate, truly excelling as a loving older sister."
Scroll down for Kardashian's most candid quotes about welcoming a child via surrogacy:
Credit: Courtesy of Khloe Kardashian/Instagram
Not Enough Knowledge
"I was completely shocked by the entire experience. It weighed heavily on me that this woman had just given birth to my child, and I had to take the baby and go to a separate room. It felt like a cold, transactional process, devoid of any emotional connection to the child. I wished someone had been more forthcoming about the realities of surrogacy and the stark differences it entails. However, I don't view it as inherently good or bad, just a very distinct experience."
Reflecting on her personal issues with Thompson, the reality star admitted that she had been avoiding confronting the situation during her pregnancy. It wasn't until she arrived at the hospital that the gravity of the situation finally hit her. She emphasized that her emotional turmoil had no bearing on her feelings towards the baby.
Credit: Courtesy of Khloe Kardashian/Instagram
Their Initial Time Together
During the filming of her reality show, Kardashian candidly shared her experience of the initial months with her son.
"Currently, he sleeps until 4 A.M. every night, which is truly a blessing. The early stage is incredibly overwhelming, and it's easy to forget the sheer intensity of it all. If people truly remembered how challenging it is, I doubt anyone would willingly go through it repeatedly."
Credit: Courtesy of Khloe Kardashian/Instagram
"When comparing True and [Tatum], the experience is vastly different. The connection is what sets them apart. It only took me a couple of days to fully embrace True as my daughter," Kardashian revealed to Kris Jenner in a June 2023 episode. "However, with [Tatum], it has taken me several months. I do love him and I adore children, but our bond is not yet complete. Many people often say that it takes time to develop that special connection."
Credit: Courtesy of Khloe Kardashian/Instagram
Ups and Downs
During the June 2023 episode, Jenner emphasized the importance of her daughter addressing and overcoming her emotional pain before reflecting on her role as a mother. Kardashian, on the other hand, openly expressed remorse for not establishing a stronger bond with her son earlier on.
"Not bad, but there are moments when I can't help but feel a twinge of guilt, wondering why things aren't identical. It's not that I treat him any differently; I just occasionally find myself questioning my own actions," she expressed. "Being a mother is undeniably one of the most enchanting experiences one can have."
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Getting Candid
During a June 2023 episode of The Kardashians, Kardashian shared a conversation she had with Michele Morrone before the Dolce & Gabbanna show. He mentioned having two kids in Lebanon, to which Kardashian responded by mentioning her own two kids - a 4-year-old daughter and an infant son. Morrone complimented her appearance, and Kardashian casually revealed that she had used a surrogate for her son's birth, describing the experience as "so f—king weird."