I didn't tear at all during labour but I did end up with one hell of a rhoid and my midwife friend suggested partially filling condoms with water then freezing them and wearing them in my knickers on inside my pad (cut a whole in the end of the pad and insert) to help with the pain and swelling. Worked a treat!

DH had 2 weeks off work and was amazing and my parents visited often (which we loved and encouraged) and bought meals for us or came and cooked for us.