Herniation through a congenital mesenteric defect is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction in the newborn. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment improves the prognosis. We present a case of a full-term infant who presented with respiratory distress at birth. Enteral feeding was not started because abdominal distension and delayed passage of meconium. Bowel obstruction was suspected. Radiological investigation did not provide a clear diagnosis. Surgical exploration revealed transmesenteric congenital hernia. After surgical repair, enteral feeding was tolerated and patient was discharged with an uneventful outcome. Diagnostic difficulties were discussed.