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Founded in 2012 by neonatal-pediatric physical therapist Puja Padbidri, Baby Shastra was born out of a deep commitment to fill the gap in early childhood developmental support in India. What began as a personal mission has grown into a trusted space for parents navigating the journey from hospital discharge to home routines, from breastfeeding challenges to behavioral questions, from developmental milestones to screen-free play.
Whether you’re caring for a preterm baby or a curious toddler, we’re here to empower you — with expert guidance, compassion, and evidence-backed tools that put your baby’s well-being first.
We specialize in:
- Breastfeeding and lactation support
- NICU and high-risk baby transition care
- Early intervention (0–2 years)
- Play and developmental milestone support
- Emotional and practical guidance for parents
At Baby Shastra, science meets sensitivity. We’re not just practitioners — we’re partners on your parenting journey.
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Meet Our Experts
Our team is built on clinical expertise, empathy, and a passion for child development. Get to know the professionals behind Baby Shastra’s trusted care.
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Puja Padbidri
Founder | Neonatal-Pediatric Physical Therapist (NICU) | PT, MS (USA), CNT (USA), Trauma-Informed Professional (USA)
Puja Padbidri is the founder of Baby Shastra, Pune’s first specialized neonatal and early childhood developmental care service — earlier known as The Yearling House. With a deep-rooted passion for empowering parents, Puja brings over 24 years of clinical experience in early intervention, neonatal therapy, and trauma-informed care.
She holds a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and spent close to a decade working in the Early Intervention Program across New York and Connecticut, supporting children aged 0–3 years and their families.
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After returning to India with her infant son, Puja witnessed the wide gap in awareness and support for new parents. Her mission became clear: to create a space where science meets sensitivity, where families feel supported through expert care, and where babies — including those born preterm or with high-risk factors — get the nurturing start they deserve.
As an internationally certified Neonatal Therapist (CNT) and trauma-informed professional, Puja has worked with several leading hospitals in Pune. She collaborates with top neonatologists and pediatricians to implement developmental care in NICUs and post-discharge follow-up clinics. Her work focuses on improving long-term outcomes for babies by supporting families not just in medical settings, but also during the crucial transition home.
Key Milestones & Contributions:
- First internationally certified Neonatal Therapist (CNT) in Pune
- First trauma-informed professional certified in India
- Pioneer of telehealth neonatal care in India since 2014
- Conducts developmental surveillance and early intervention support for 0–2-year-olds
- Founder of a free multidisciplinary parent support group (ECDP)
- Speaker at schools, hospitals, and corporate parenting forums
- Facilitator of parent-infant swim classes promoting comfort and water safety
- Educator to professionals through development-focused training sessions
- Author of the chapter “Parenting your NICU baby at Home” in Bringing Home a Preterm Baby: A Guide for Parents
- Presenter at national and international pediatric and physiotherapy conferences
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Rujuta Bhave
Pediatric Physical Therapist & Aqua Therapist PT (India), pursuing DPT (USA)
Rujuta Bhave is a passionate pediatric physical therapist with hands-on experience in clinical, aquatic, and inclusive education-based therapy for children. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) with a specialization in Pediatrics at Rocky Mountain University, USA.
At Baby Shastra, Rujuta supports neonatal therapy initiatives, curates content for young parents, and contributes to developmental support strategies. Her gentle, mindful approach makes her a natural guide for early parenting and intervention.
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She has worked with diverse pediatric populations at Sneh RERC (Mumbai) and Bal Kalyan Sanstha (Pune), focusing on individualized therapy for motor and sensory delays. She held a temporary position delivering play-based interventions in a sensory motor gym to support motor development in an out-patient setting in Long Island, NY. She recently began working at a specialized school for students with traumatic brain injury and multiple disabilities in New York, USA.
A certified aquatic therapist, Rujuta engages in promoting respectful parenting, baby-led weaning, and sensory-informed practices. With a love for working closely with families, she is driven to create safe, engaging, and empowering environments for children—both in-person and online.
Key Milestones & Contributions:
- Certified in Pediatric Aquatic Therapy
- Teacher’s Training for Yoga with special needs
- Pilates and Aerobics instructor certification
- Basic NDT and Baby Handling Training
- Hike initiatives for children with Downs syndrome
- Core strengthening program for adolescents
- Conducts workshops on menstrual health and ergonomic
- Supports sustainable lifestyle through @ShashwatLiving
