have not torn.. (no stitches) but did have slight grazing (labia minora tore a lil bit horizontally, that apparently is a graze in the public health system..)
I had no complications(very blessed) & used no pain killers. Ive used a birthing bean bag with bub#2(on all fours) and was vertical (on my knees) for bub #1. Breathing helps... i had burning sensation with my 1st. She crowned and stayed there for awhile which is good.. but ow!! With my 2nd she crowned and i had no ability not to hold her back, it felt like they(midwifes) were pulling her out of me (but they weren't), it happened so quickly!

theres the EPI-no (a device to aid in the stretching in the weeks pre-labour), massage, use of a warm wet cloth during labour (support person or midwife applying pressure) something i read alot in those silly baby/birth magazines.

gl with it all!