George B. Elvove, M.D.

Dr. George B. Elvove is a graduate of the University of Michigan College of Literature, Science and the Arts, the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, and the Cook County Hospital Post Graduate Training Program. He is one of the original founding members of the American College of Home Obstetrics and a member of the Medical Advisory Board of La Leche League International. He has been practicing as a family practitioner in the Chicago area since 1977, specializing in natural childbirth, pediatric care, family medicine, and nutritional counseling. Dr. Elvove is a medical staff member at Highland Park Hospital. He is the father of three children.

The Elvove Staff

When you phone or visit our office, you can be assured that the person who greets you is trained and experienced in natural childbirth, breastfeeding, and child care. The problem or question that you are having has probably been addressed many times before. It is our commitment to high quality, personalized care that makes our practice unique. Here are the portraits of our excellent staff:

(Left to Right) Dr. Elvove, Dawn LaBarbera, Debbie Boucher, Cathy Keinz, Karen White, Marge Morrison, Donna Crocker, Kristi Scharrenberg, Janet Gutmer.

DONNA CROCKER
I was fortunate to witness my sister's journey into motherhood. She dedicated her efforts to having a positive home birth and breastfeeding experience. With her help, and Cathy's impeccable midwifery skills, I was able to have three wonderful home birth experiences. These miracles were enriched with exclusive breastfeeding. After being a stay at home mom for fifteen years, I now work with our staff, helping other women on their journeys into motherhood.

NANCY CHUNG
I have been a nurse for twenty years. My two sons ages 18 and 15 were born at home with the loving guidance and support of Cathy Keinz. They were special moments that I will never forget! I have been working with this practice since 1987; I attend home births with Dr. Elvove, work in the office, teach childbirth classes, and do postpartum home visits. I also have the privilege of attending hospital births with Dr. Elvove at Highland Park Hospital, where I have worked as a labor and delivery nurse for nine years. I have tried the Zone method of nutrition which I find energizing. Dr. Elvove's dedication and holistic approach are unique. I am happy and proud to be a member of the staff.

JANET GUTZMER
My first exposure to home birth was during my first pregnancy. I was attending a LaMaze class, and one of the couples was planning on a home birth. I thought they were nuts, and proceeded with my plans for a "safe" hospital birth. After my son was born, I found that I was less than thrilled with the hospital setting. I started doing some research and by the time I was pregnant again, I had found Dr. Elvove. My experience at home was wonderful, and I went on to have two more children at home, all successfully breastfed. My plans were to stay at home until the last one went to college, however I was offered the job of part time receptionist. What a great opportunity to get my "baby fix!" I have worked with Dr Elvove for thirteen years now, and my sons are 19, 17, 14, and 9 years old.

CATHY KEINZ
Twenty-three years ago I was invited to my first home birth by my Avon lady. It was quite a contrast to my own two hospital births. That first home birth experience changed my life! I spent four years working for a pediatrician. Four years of working in a hospital OB department helped prepare me to be a nurse midwife. Along the way I became a childbirth educator and LaLeche League leader. Serving as a doula and office nurse gives me many opportunities to teach clients about birth and child care. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing women empowered after giving birth naturally.

MARGE MORRISON
My husband and I first met Dr. Elvove and Cathy Keinz when we were expecting our first baby in 1986. Back then, my main claim to fame among Dr. Elvove's staff was that I managed to breastfeed 100% while working full time as a chemist at Abbott. Child number three, however, was the final straw, and I began my second career as a stay-at-home mom. Now the kids are in high school or beyond, and I work in Dr. Elvove's office part-time. I enjoy getting to know the moms-to-be (and the dads-to-be), and then ooohing and aaahing over the babies.

KRISTI SCHARRENBERG
I have known Dr. Elvove and Cathy for 25 years. Between the two they’ve been at six homebirths in my extended family - spanning three generations. I was 12 when my brother was born at home, so when I became pregnant I know I wanted a homebirth. My husband thought I was crazy, but promptly changed his mind after going to the homebirth information class. All four of our kids were born at home - the oldest with Cathy and Dr. Elvove - the other two with a certified midwife because we moved out of state, and Dr. Elvove and Cathy wouldn’t travel 800 miles. I know that I can’t compare my homebirth experiences with a hospital births but I am thankful for the personalized care that I have received from them. I love that I had the same doctor and nurse during my prenatal care, during the birth, and with the pediatric visits. I enjoy interacting with the patients at the front desk. It’s been a pleasure to get to know them during their pregnancies and in their family’s continuing care.

JANE WEINSTEIN-JACOBSON
I am a registered nurse and have been working with Dr. Elvove for eleven years, since nine months after he helped me deliver my second child. Prior to working for Dr. Elvove I worked in the labor and delivery departments of Mt. Sinai and Lake Forest Hospitals. I work in the office on Saturdays and teach two of the four childbirth classes which we offer. My husband and I have four children ages 14, 12, 9, and 7, the last three born at home. It is always a great thrill for me to watch how our patient families grow, both literally and figuratively!