MD
Dr. TaShawna Stokes is a mom to two beautiful daughters and currently practices in the Atlanta area. She received her undergraduate and medical degrees from Auburn University and The University of South Alabama. She completed her Pediatric Residency at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. After completing a chief year, she has worked in urgent care, inpatient and private practice in the southeastern region for over 10 years.She brings over a decade of knowledge, true concern for her patients and a thorough method for treating her patients. She stays abreast on current medical trends and believes in a family-based model for patient care. Dr. Stokes has a passion for general newborn care and adolescent medicine. She continues to educate her patients and the community as Docmommd. She has an active following on her social media profiles. She can be found on https://linktr.ee/docmommd for support for parents who want to be heard.
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Keratosis pilaris on kids may cause dry and rough patches and tiny bumps on the skin. Although not harmful, these skin lesions may cause itching. The condition can often be seen on the face, neck, legs, thigh, and buttocks. Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition, and the affected skin may have a chicken skin-like appearance and is often called "chicken skin." Seek pediatric attention if you suspect keratosis pilaris in your child. Read on to know the causes, symptoms, and treatment of keratosis pilaris on children. [mj-toc] What Does Keratosis Pilaris Look Like? [caption id="attachment_891317" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] In this condition, the skin looks like when you have goosebumps. The tiny bumps may appear whitish red or brownish-black based on the color of your skin. The skin would feel dry and rough like sandpaper or chicken skin. Causes Of Keratosis Pilaris In Children Keratosis pilaris is caused due to the blockage of the skin pores due to the...
Once your baby is born, nothing can surpass the joy of newly attained parenthood. Once the initial surprise and delight turn into an everyday routine, taking care of a newborn can become monotonous. At this time, there are certain activities and things to do with a newborn baby that you can get involved in and enjoy the joys of motherhood. In the initial months, your newborn gets attached to you the most. Therefore, how you connect with your baby in these months plays a crucial role in your baby’s overall development. Read on this post as we tell you about some fun activities you can try with your baby. [mj-toc] Top 10 Newborn Baby Activities If you thought that your newborn baby would only sleep and wake up for meals, then it’s time to rethink! Here are the top 10 activities to do with newborn babies: 1. Baby’s Day Out: Plan an outing with your baby. It need not be...
While pregnancy is one of life’s changing events, parenthood is something you’ll never forget, especially if you’re a first-time mom. Our post on activities for an 8-month-old can help you keep him entertained. The thrill of watching your baby develop, laugh, respond to your conversations and try to crawl and sleep near you is magical. Every month, your child develops, and it is your responsibility as a parent to keep your little one occupied with fun activities (1). The activities should be enjoyable and beneficial for their cognitive development (2). We’ve created a list of activities to help you discover on your way. [mj-toc] Top 10 Activities For 8-Month-Old Baby By now, most babies become skilled in sitting and probably crawling too. They remain active and energetic; always moving around and exploring. Now is the right time to introduce certain activities, keep them busy and help them bond with others. Here we bring you a list of some really good...
Your baby has reached a significant milestone of 10 months already. They could be louder, and you may be unable to control them at times. Your 10-month-old has now started engaging in sensory play and developing the ability to grasp things between their forefinger and thumb, asserting and moving around, knocking down things, and banging doors, pots, and pans. Your baby may have developed words like "no" and "ah." As infants' language skills are still developing, they primarily communicate through babbling and making simple sounds rather than using actual words. During this stage, infants begin to develop their socializing abilities as well. You may observe that they respond differently in various social settings. At this stage, you find yourself running around them and worrying that they don’t trip and fall in all the excitement. Your baby could also be fussy and energized like never before. This is the time when you should start interacting with your baby in a positive...
Peppermint is a medicinal herb known for its many health benefits and is available in different forms. It is safe to use peppermint water for babies when offered in the right amount. Mix the herb or peppermint oil in water and feed your baby a diluted version to alleviate the symptoms of different digestive problems. This herbal home remedy has several healing properties and can help reduce gas-related heartburns and cool the stomach. Read on to know more about the use of peppermint water for your little one, including its benefits and things to consider while using it. [mj-toc] More About Peppermint Water For Babies [caption id="attachment_890633" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] A single cup of peppermint water produces antispasmodic effects in the body. It can bring instant relief from extreme gas pain, infant reflux and heartburn. The leaves of peppermint contain methanol, which has a coolant effect. Methanol accelerates the flow of bile secretion and digestive juices in your baby’s...
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychological health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive activities (compulsions). OCD in children may make them feel compelled to perform certain acts (compulsions) to cope with the tension caused by obsessive thoughts. These actions could potentially disrupt a child\'s education and social ties. Unwanted and recurring ideas, pictures, doubts, or impulses are examples of obsessive thinking. Most children with OCD require cognitive-behavioral therapy to control their obsessions and compulsions. Read this post to learn more about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, therapy, and techniques to manage a child with OCD at home and school. [mj-toc] Causes And Risks Factors For OCD The exact cause of OCD is not yet known. However, the following factors may play a role in the development of OCD in children (1). Some researchers suggest that it can be due to lower serotonin levels than others. Children with a positive family history of OCD and related disorders have a higher...
Introducing innovative learning activities for 13-month-old babies can enhance their abilities and enable overall development. Most babies begin to walk with support, start eating solid food and get their first teeth by the time they are 13 months. As their movement increases, it becomes easier to explore their surroundings. This development makes them curious and indicates that they are ready to learn new things. You can utilize this opportunity to introduce new learning activities to them. Dive into this post for a list of activities that will be beneficial for a 13-month-old baby. 1. Peek A Boo Under The Cover: [caption id="attachment_343614" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image : Shutterstock[/caption] This is one of the best activities for a 13 month old baby. It will be your toddler’s very first dose of playing hide and seek. Your toddler will love finding you, or an object, or even hiding and being ‘found out’ by you. You need: Any sheet, blanket or a big cloth...
When you put your baby in the bed, crib, or stroller, they may sometimes get out of their intended sleeping position. This can cause you to worry as you would like them to stay put in their place. Sleep positioners for babies are a great way to keep babies from sliding off and changing their position. They are made from soft cushion-like materials that provide comfort and safety. We have compiled a list of the best sleep positioners for babies for you to choose from. So, take your pick and ensure your baby sleeps like a log. [mj-toc] What Is A Sleep Positioner? Sleep positioners come in two forms. One has a flat mat with soft wedges on either side. The other looks similar but has a slight incline to keep your baby in an upright position. You can simply place these specialty products in your baby’s crib or your bed (if you are co-sleeping). Sleep positioners are also marketed...
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, a thin membrane surrounding the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Meningitis in children may arise due to infections caused by bacteria and viruses and non-infectious aspects, such as tumors and brain injuries. Meningitis might be a life-threatening condition if left untreated, causing long-term complications. Read on to explore the possible causes, symptoms, treatments, complications, and preventive strategies for meningitis in children. [mj-toc] Causes Of Meningitis In Children A bacterial or viral infection that propagates through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the most common cause of meningitis in children. CSF flows in spaces between the meninges and cushions the brain and the spinal cord. Parasitic and fungal infections may also cause meningitis, and it often affects children with weakened immune systems. Viruses that cause meningitis include but are not limited to (1): Mumps virus (paramyxovirus) Poliovirus Influenza (flu) virus [simple_tooltip text="West Nile virus" tooltip="Viruses spread by mosquitoes that rarely cause severe infections such...
A baby\'s fake crying can be defined as crying without vital needs. Crying is a form of communication to express pain, hunger, tiredness, and sleep. Some babies may cry without obvious reasons or for parents\' or caregivers\' attention. You may notice random fake crying in your baby without reasons or for specific purposes such as to hold them in your arms or soothe them. Although many parents may worry about why their baby is crying, eventually, most of them figure out the reasons. Read on to learn more about reasons and how to handle a baby\'s fake crying. [mj-toc] What Is Fake Crying? A baby’s fake crying could be defined as crying that is not motivated by vital needs, such as food, sleep, change of diapers, and caregivers’ attention to pain. Infants who fake their crying are also not any discomfort due to illness, injury, or emotional issues, such as fear. You can tell your baby is fake crying when...
Prunes are dried European plums. Due to their natural laxative properties, you can use prune juice to treat constipation in toddlers. Since children mostly develop digestion problems due to the consumption (or lack) of specific foods, adding prune juice to their diet can help prevent constipation. In addition, it is rich in nutrients and minerals, thus promoting their overall health. Read on to know more about the causes of constipation in children, the role of prune juice in treating constipation in children, and some tasty recipes to make prune juice at home. [mj-toc] Causes Of Constipation In Toddlers [caption id="attachment_892974" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] There are several causes of constipation in toddlers, but the most prominent cause is diet. Constipation due to food sensitivities or imbalance in gut flora lasts longer. Other causes include: Inadequate water intake. Lack of intake of fiber, vegetables, and fruits. Excess intake of white flour foods or carbohydrates. Excess intake of cold foods such as...
Hypertonia in babies is a medical condition where excessive muscle tone causes muscle stiffness, leading to difficulty in limb movement. Usually, the central nervous system (CNS) regulates muscle tone by sending signals from the brain to the nerves in the muscles. If certain regions of the brain or spinal cord (the CNS) that control muscles tones are damaged, they cause hypertonia. Some babies can have transient hypertonia that resolves in a short time, while a few may have persistent hypertonia that may stay for a lifetime. Hypertonia has less occurrence in babies than hypotonia (floppy baby syndrome). Read on as we give you a brief overview of the causes, signs, risk factors, and treatment for hypertonia in babies. [mj-toc] Causes Of Hypertonia In Babies [caption id="attachment_891650" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Muscle tone is a muscle’s resistance to stretch. The muscle tone is regulated by the central nervous system (the brain, spinal cord, and nerves) through nerve signals that contract and...
It can be confusing for many parents whether the drawbacks of watching TV for toddlers outweigh the benefits since many television shows aim exclusively at entertaining the little ones. Although some shows are educational for toddlers, it may be inappropriate for them to be glued to the television and prefer it over playtime. Further, some toddlers may exhibit an unhealthy spike in their interest in watching TV. Some may also demand to watch TV more frequently and throw tantrums whenever the TV is switched off. Read this post to learn more about the negative side effects of watching TV on toddlers. [mj-toc] Is TV Always Bad For Your Toddler? [caption id="attachment_881064" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] Toddlers watching TV before or at preschool age are at a greater risk for developmental challenges and behavioral problems as compared to those who do not watch TV. Early exposure to TV has also been linked to [simple_tooltip text="attention disorders" tooltip="Condition when children are hyperactive...
Restless leg syndrome in kids is a sensory and motor disorder, leading to uncontrollable sensations accompanied by an urge to move the legs. Most children feel this urge to move their legs when they are inactive or resting, such as during bedtime, while sitting for long hours in the classroom, or during car rides (1). The diagnosis of restless leg syndrome or RLS can be challenging in children since it is clinically diagnosed based on the medical history and symptoms. In addition, behavioral problems, such as inattention, hyperactivity, aggression, and daytime somnolence, are seen in some children with RLS (1). Read on to know the causes, symptoms, and treatments for restless leg syndrome in children. [mj-toc]How Common Is Restless Leg Syndrome In Children? RLS affects both children and adults. According to the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, RLS is estimated to affect 1.5 million children and adolescents. Also, about 35% of patients report RLS during childhood or adolescence, and one in...
Parents and caregivers may have concerns about why their baby cries when pooping. Everything is new to a baby, and they are in the process of adjusting and understanding the bodily functions and surroundings. Some babies may cry while passing bowel movements since this sensation can be strange for them. However, a few babies may cry due to tummy troubles or pain. It is recommended to seek pediatric care if your baby often cries while pooping and has other digestive symptoms. Read on to know why a baby cries when pooping and what you can do about it. [mj-toc]Why Do Babies Cry While Pooping? The reasons for your baby crying while pooping may range from your baby getting used to the sensation of pooping to an underlying medical condition. Let us look at each in detail. 1. Getting used to the sensation of pooping If your baby cries during pooping in the initial days, it could be because they are...
Intestinal gas is common in babies and is caused by their immature digestive systems. Gas is a leading cause of colic in infants (1). Therefore, gas drops for babies are commonly used to relieve excess gas and abdominal discomfort. Babies may cry uncontrollably and excessively, especially during the night, due to gas problems. In most cases, gas in babies is not a serious problem, and it subsides with time. However, excessive crying can interfere with a baby’s sleep and feeding patterns. Read this post to know more about the safety and efficacy of gas drops in babies. [mj-toc]What Are Gas Drops? Gas drops are over-the-counter (OTC) liquid medications useful in relieving the excess gas in babies. It contains simethicone, a silicone latex that disperses and prevents gas bubbles from forming in the gastrointestinal tract (2). [mj_protip type="Quick fact" title="Quick fact"]Simethicone is not absorbed systemically and is excreted through feces (6).[/mj_protip] [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/remedies-to-treat-gas-problems-in-toddlers_00120369/" title="7 Effective Home Remedies To Manage Gas Problems...