Kourtney Kardashian Defends Not Working Amid Motherhood: 'Didn't Really Think It Was an Option to Not'

Kourtney Kardashian is getting candid about the realities of motherhood, admitting that she was initially clueless about several aspects of parenting, especially being a working mother.

Her reflection comes months after the "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" star publicly embraced motherhood as her core focus, expressing that this chapter of her life means more to her than anything else. 

Beyond reliving her early struggles, Kourtney also opened up about her sweet relationship with her stepdaughter, Alabama Barker.

In the most recent episode of "The Kardashians," the 46-year-old revisited the moment she welcomed her first child, Mason, admitting she felt largely unprepared before becoming a parent.

"When I was 30, and I had Mason, nobody told me what to do, I didn’t read any books," she recalled. Kourtney revealed that her maternal instincts eventually kicked in, and she performed attachment parenting with Mason, who is now 15.

However, things became more intentional by the time she had her daughter, Penelope.

"Before I had Penelope, though, I read the attachment parenting book, and it was more intentional," she explained in the confessional, per People Magazine. "And even though I was working, I didn’t really think it was an option to not work. Now, I have the option not to work, and I feel grateful to be able to find what I connect to."

Kourtney shares her youngest child, 2-year-old Rocky Thirteen, with husband Travis Barker. She is also mom to Mason and Reign, 10, and daughter Penelope, 13, whom she shares with ex-partner, Scott Disick.

Though she entered motherhood without a guidebook, Kourtney shared that she now enjoys this quieter phase of life that leaves her spending most of her time with her family.

She made the revelation in a February episode during the SKIMS with Dolce & Gabbana collaboration photoshoot alongside her sister, Kim Kardashian.

In a confessional, Kourtney explained that while the shoot was fun, motherhood had reshaped her priorities. 

"I mean, it’s fun to be on set with Kim and the vibes are immaculate, but I think this makes me want to wear massive clothes. I’m not into showing my body right now," she candidly shared, adding that the experience reminded her of why she has embraced her new season of motherhood.

"I don’t work out, it’s not my priority. I’m in a taking care of my baby and kids and going on tour with my husband mode. I’m just not that girl anymore,” she added, as People Magazine reported.

Even with her bright motherhood moments, Kourtney has also acknowledged habits she is not proud of.

In last week's episode, the Lemme co-founder hosted a panel with parenting expert Erica Komisar, focused on breastfeeding.

As The Blast reported, Kourtney revealed that she often uses her phone while breastfeeding her son Rocky, a habit Komisar firmly warned against.

"I did not know the breastfeeding phone [thing],” she said. “Now I’m like, the guilt that I have. But it’s good, because you shouldn’t be doing it.” Kourtney admitted, adding that she had unknowingly done it with all her kids.

As motherhood and work continue to demand her attention, Kourtney has set specific wellness practices that help her stay grounded.

Beyond staying away from alcohol and coffee, she shared that her “non-negotiables” include “walking daily and taking my supplements, those are the two things. And getting at least eight hours of sleep."

According to The Blast, she emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent routine, even when her own needs sometimes take second place to her children.

Kourtney added that more than external routines, she has come to understand that her sense of beauty starts from within.

Kourtney’s motherhood joy extends to her blended family as well. 

The TV personality couldn’t help but gush over her close bond with Alabama during a filming session for the teen’s Twitch stream intro.

“Alabama and I are super close. I’ve known her since she was 8 years old,” she shared, per The Blast. She also expressed how much she loves that Alabama considers her cool enough to be featured in her video.