=Asphyxia neonatorum= is a condition, wherein, for some reason, the child fails to breathe after delivery. Out of every one hundred babies born, about six will die at birth or within the first ten days, and a large proportion of them from asphyxia in some form. Asphyxia is found in two degrees: asphyxia livida (blue) and asphyxia pallida (white). In the first, the child is deeply cyanosed. This may be due to patency of the foramen ovale, and yet it is a question whether this cyanosis is not really a normal process. The child does not undertake its first respiration because it needs oxygen, but because an excess of carbon dioxide (CO_{2}) in the blood acts as a stimulant to the respiratory center, which is thus set to work, with the result that oxygen is taken in. The blue asphyxias, therefore, may be only the first step in the physiological process of respiration. In these cases, the pulse is strong and full, and the muscular tone is preserved, as well as the sensibility of the skin. In the second degree, the condition is quite different. The face is pale though the lips may be blue. The heart is irregular and many times can not be felt. The cord is soft and flaccid, with its vessels nearly empty. The reflexes are abolished, the skin and extremities cold. A few convulsive efforts at breathing may occur, but they soon cease. _Treatment_ is directed first, to opening up the respiratory passage. The child is held up by the feet so the mucus, blood, and fluids may escape from the mouth. Compression of the chest wall will aid. The tracheal catheter is passed into the trachea and the mucus sucked out. Next, the skin reflexes are stimulated by slapping the back, or buttocks, and by blowing upon the face. [Illustration: Fig. 117.—Method of passing the tracheal catheter. (Hammerschlag.)] The child at this time may be dipped in a tub of very warm water, (112° F.) and the chest and face sprinkled with cold water. Meanwhile, Laborde’s method of traction on the tongue may be tried. The tongue is seized with tongue forceps (handkerchief, napkin, or piece of gauze will do) and rhythmically drawn out and released about ten times per minute. Further, the Byrd method of artificial respiration must be employed. [Illustration: Fig. 118.—Byrd’s method of artificial respiration. Extension and inspiration. (Edgar.)] [Illustration: Fig. 119.—Byrd’s method of artificial respiration. Beginning flexion and expiration. (Edgar.)] The back of the child is held in the right hand, so that the thumb and forefinger grasp the neck loosely, the other hand holds the buttocks from behind and the body is slowly but firmly flexed between them until the thorax is compressed, then the grip is relaxed and the body widely extended to allow the air to rush into the lungs. This maneuver should be repeated about twelve times per minute. When the heart ceases to beat, the child is dead and respiration can not be established.