>> to cause pulmonary asphyxiation.
Not that I’m in disagreement, but is there any other kind?
http://www.birthinjuryguide.org/birth-injury/causes/perinatal-hypoxia
After birth, severe anemia is a risk factor in non-pulmonary asphyxiation, e.g. sickle cell anemia can and does lead to asphyxiation although pulmonary function continues.