I don't have any idea how many stitches I had, and only knew I had a second degree tear because that was what was on the sheet when I was discharged from hospital LOL But I do hear of others speaking about tears and stitches like it is a 'badge of honor' as to how difficult their labour was. I personally don't see it as a badge of honor but at the same time don't have an issues with those that do. There are a lot worse things you could try to measure yourself or your labour by.