Dr. Ashley Duke Gooding, MD

Dr. Gooding was always in a rush during our appointments, which made it difficult to have meaningful conversations about what my birth experience would entail. She insisted that I schedule a C-section, even though both my baby and I were perfectly healthy. I firmly expressed that I didn’t feel the need for such a procedure unless it was an emergency. While I understand why some people choose C-sections, it wasn't part of my birth plan, and the thought of it terrified me. After much pressure, we ultimately agreed to set an induction date for a vaginal delivery. During labor, I only saw Dr. Gooding when she came to break my water; another doctor assisted with the delivery. Thankfully, this doctor was attentive and checked in on me throughout the process. However, I faced challenges right from the start when they struggled to place IVs in and two of my veins got blown. At one point, a nurse was chatting casually about food with her colleagues while I was in the midst of pushing. I had also requested that students not be present, but it felt as though my wishes were ignored. My nurse got mad at my husband many times for helping me and they gave him mean looks the whole time. When it came time to cut the unblicord he cut it but a nurse said it was too long and cut it on my face and blood went all over me. When I was transferred to the postpartum room, I faced further difficulties. As I attempted to get up to use the restroom, the postpartum nurse—who seemed to be training another staff member—was exceedingly rude. After I accidentally threw up on the floor, she became upset that it wasn’t in a bag. To make matters worse, she scolded my husband for comforting our crying newborn, telling him to just put her down. Fortunately, the other postpartum nurses were amazing and incredibly supportive. As a first-time and young mom, I'm grateful that my experience didn’t take a wrong turn and that my baby is healthy. However, I recognize that childbirth can be a traumatic experience, and the presence of rude individuals can make it even more challenging. My goal in sharing my story is to inform and support other young mothers or expectant moms, so they are aware of what they might face. Dr. Ashley Gooding was not present during my labor, only arriving to break my water, and I can't help but feel relieved that things unfolded as they did. I believe I might have ended up in an emergency C-section if she had been more involved. Thankfully, that didn’t happen. I now have a new doctor, Jessica Rodriguez, who has been nothing short of amazing! I am currently pregnant with my second child, and she has educated me on so many aspects of pregnancy that I didn’t know before. She listens and truly understands my concerns. I hope this message helps anyone searching for a new doctor! And for those who don’t care, please feel free to skip this. Thank you! ??

I have been going to Dr. Gooding for ~20 years. She is very attentive, answers all my questions, listens to my concerns and tells me like it is. She has resolved so many issues for me. I’ve recently relocated to Atlanta but still make the trek to Alabama to be seen by her!

Went to Dr. Gooding for my annual exam and evaluation to get a tubal ligation. The staff was extremely courteous and efficient, and Dr. Gooding was knowledgeable and approachable.

Dr. Gooding is the best doctor I can ask for. Not only does she know what she is doing but she is willing to listen and address any concerns I have, whether they are legit or not. I have had her through two pregnancies that ended up high risk. She gave me the best care I needed and got me to delivery. She helped me deliver two healthy girls. I highly recommend her!!! Can’t say enough great things.

Dr. Duke/Gooding has been my Gyn for over 10 years. She has always been friendly, interested, knowledgeable, and responsive. I recommended her to our daughter for her Ob care. Dr. Gooding has been her best supporter during not one but two problem pregnancies. Our daughter in turn recommended Dr. Duke Gooding to many of her friends who are more than satisfied with the care they received as well. Healthy moms delivered healthy babies. Very satisfied.

My experience with Dr. Duke was not a good experience at all. I scheduled an appointment for a pap smear and to discuss some fertility issues. I told her that I was spotting a week before my period and that I was experiencing anxiety. She performed the pap smear but blew off my spotting issues and anxiety issues. I also had very high blood pressure, which she also blew off. She seemed to be in a huge hurry. Dr. Duke wrote down some names for a fertility specialist and told me to see my general practitioner for my anxiety and blood pressure issues. I found out later that my spotting before my period, anxiety and high blood pressure was caused by estrogen dominance. My new ob/gyn recognized these signs immediately and quickly began hormone therapy. I now feel great!! WHY Dr. Duke did not know the signs of estrogen dominance or hormonal imbalance is VERY concerning as she's supposed to be a seasoned physician (OB/GYN). I do NOT recommend Dr. Duke for anything beyond a pap smear!

Dr. Goosing is great. She makes your visits extremely pleasant and stays on top of your health.

Dr Duke delivered my son in Sept 2005. We had filled hurricane Katrina. I was 44 &9 months pregnant. I delivered bu inducing. First time ever. 4th child. 21 years between him and sister. Had a new grandbaby 1 year old. From new orleans. We'r lost everything but we're well taken care of at shelby Baptist. So thankful. I gave birth very quickly even though she thought I may be in labor a long time due to age and circumstances. BUT GOD! Thank you Dr Duke and my 7 month pregnant nurse Wendy! Soon is turning 14 in a week. I hate hurricanes. Im from south louisiana too! Never will get used to them and wel ALWAYS leave for them abide Katrina. Praying now against hurricane Dorian!

Dr. Gooding is always warm and professional. She thinks outside the box when presented with a challenging medical issue. She is open with me, and does not hesitate to refer to another doctor if the medical problem is better treated by another specialty, such as surgery. She has always been very competent with me, and makes that dreaded annual exam more than tolerable. I would definitely recommend her to all the women I know.