All 3 of my kids have been very sick for over a week, and my pediatrician has been super helpful. He encouraged me to reach out to him through text/phone call even on weekends or late at night if we needed anything. My DD1 was hospitalized for pneumonia on Saturday and our doc was texting all weekend to check in on her. I was also able to text him vids of our kids breathing when I thought they were struggling. We appreciate him so much!

Does your ped give out his/her # so you can contact them directly? Is this common practice?

ETA: We go to a fairly large practice that has a 24/7 nurse line and an urgent care that's open all week. But I love he gives us direct access to him for for special situations. This week it's been crucial.