Rarer causes of poor response include the presence of congenital anomalies such as choanal atresia, diaphragmatic hernia or pulmonary hypoplasia.
The most efficient breathing for singing and for speaking is a combination of abdominal and diaphragmatic breathing, or belly breathing.
George had surgery when he was 2 days old to correct his diaphragmatic hernia.
Respirations are best assessed by watching the rise and fall of the neonate's abdomen since infants are diaphragmatic breathers.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)-A condition in which the fetal diaphragm (the muscle dividing the chest and abdominal cavity) does not close completely.