How Ashley Brichter Centers Core Values at BirthSmarter

When something you’ve prepared for doesn’t go as planned, what happens to your entire belief system?

That’s a question BirthSmarter founder, Ashley Brichter, had to grapple with after the birth of her first child— when all of her careful preparation and planning went out the window. 

Instead of reevaluating her beliefs and core values, Brichter leaned into them and kept them at the core of her business.

Building a business with integrity requires a steadfast commitment to core values. Even so, many companies lose track of their values while chasing revenue, growth, or the hundreds of other distractions that come with running and growing a business. 

BirthSmarter prioritizes inclusivity, education, and empowerment in the birth and parenting space. 

BirthSmarter isn’t just a business— it’s a movement designed to reshape the way families prepare for childbirth and parenting. Their core values are the lifeblood of their entire mission, and the explanation behind their success. 

Ashley Brichter, courtesy of Birthsmarter.com

The Founding of BirthSmarter

Ashley Brichter founded BirthSmarter with a clear vision: to provide evidence-based, inclusive, and accessible childbirth education to all families. 

When researching traditional birth education models, Brichter noticed that many lacked inclusivity, scientific grounding, and real-world applicability. BirthSmarter and its core values were built upon the gaps in the broken birth education landscape. 

Everything that BirthSmarter does— from class design to instructor training— is built to align with the needs of modern parents, and not just the select few who could afford the “luxury” of these educational tools. 

How Ashley Brichter Identified BirthSmarter’s Core Values

BirthSmarter’s core values, as listed on their “About Us” page, are:

• Being Unbiased 

• Being Inclusive

• Being Accessible

Let’s dive into what these core values mean, and how they translate into BirthSmarter’s products and services. 

🍼 Being Unbiased

In the pregnancy and birth space, there are many good intentions. However, there is simply no “correct” way of giving birth. There is no failure. There is no winning. There are preferences, experiences, and stories. However, no two people are the same. Every experience can be weighed on its own. 

In a blog post about BirthSmarter’s framework, it’s reiterated that there is “no right way” and “no right choice” when it comes to childbirth. 

The company does not promote unmedicated births over medicated births or one sleep method over another. Rather than fearmongering over the “nightmares” of cesarean or induced births, BirthSmarter offers positive experiences of every birth environment. When it comes to the breastfeeding versus formula debate, there is no place for shame or judgment. 

Instead, BirthSmarter provides families with high-quality education and support to meet them where they are— to help them in their own journey, with all its ups, downs, and reroutes. 

The approach is rooted in sharing evidence-based resources, community anecdotes, and personal experiences— without making assumptions or dictating best practices. 

Families are never pressured or shamed, ensuring a truly judgment-free learning environment.

🌈 Being Inclusive

BirthSmarter welcomes all individuals and family structures.

While many businesses make this claim, following through means recognizing the unique needs of marginalized communities, including Black, brown, Queer disabled, and financially-limited individuals. 

This commitment to inclusivity is reflected in the company’s language, policies, and programming. 

For example, BirthSmarter defaults to neutral terms such as “pregnant people” or “partners” rather than relying on gendered language. 

The company also actively works to identify and address implicit bias in the birth and parenting space, continuously striving to create a more equitable community. In a world where “equity” has become synonymous with some more colorful swear words, BirthSmarter refuses to treat it like a dirty word. Instead, it keeps its place at the heart. 

💛 Being Accessible

Meeting people where they are is a core principle at BirthSmarter. 

The company ensures accessibility through alternative pricing options. BirthSmarter accepts HSA/FSA cards at check out. They even have a policy promising that nobody is turned away for lack of funds. 

This ensures that high-quality education is available to all, regardless of economic status. 

Virtual classes include closed captioning and the entire curriculum is designed with diverse learning styles in mind. 

By offering classes in multiple formats and prioritizing accessibility in every aspect of the business, BirthSmarter ensures that no family is left behind

The Impact of Staying True to Core Values

By keeping these core values at the center of its business, BirthSmarter has made a lasting impact on the birth education space. 

However, living by these core values requires consistent effort. 

BirthSmarter ensures alignment through:

• Diverse & Inclusive Class Offerings: Courses serve a broad range of experiences, ensuring all parents feel prepared and supported.

• Instructor Training & Hiring Practices: Educators align with the company’s mission of being unbiased, inclusive, and accessible.

• Community Engagement & Partnerships: BirthSmarter collaborates with organizations that share its values, from local doulas and midwives to national advocacy groups.

• Ethical Pricing & Accessibility Initiatives: With sliding-scale pricing and scholarships, BirthSmarter makes childbirth education available to all families.

Thousands of parents have benefited from its inclusive, empowering approach. Many cite BirthSmarter classes as transformative experiences in their parenting journey. 

The company’s dedication to evidence-based, holistic education has earned it a strong reputation in a space that can become polluted with judgment and moralizing over complicated and personal decisions. 

The Future of BirthSmarter

Ashley Brichter’s commitment to maintaining BirthSmarter’s core values ensures that the company continues to evolve while remaining deeply rooted in its mission. 

As the birth education landscape shifts, BirthSmarter will continue to advocate for informed, inclusive, and empowered parenting experiences. By prioritizing its values, BirthSmarter serves as a model for how businesses can thrive while making a meaningful impact.

For families seeking a birth education experience that prioritizes inclusivity, evidence-based knowledge, and real-world support, BirthSmarter stands as a beacon of integrity and care.

At Carter House Copy, we are consistently blown away by founders like Ashley Brichter. 

The work BirthSmarter is doing is truly inspiring. Instead of taking advantage of pregnant and new parents by capitalizing on their fears, BirthSmarter moves to transform the experience— for everyone. 

Their commitment to unbiased, inclusive, and accessible education is not just changing childbirth preparation— it’s shaping a more informed and empowered future for families everywhere.