My daughter was 8lb 13oz so just under 9lb
so was my first daughter, and i had 3rd deg tears.......
i went on to have #2 and #3 through a vaginal delivery without a single tear for each of them. I think as the others have said, being a bit more prepared about labour helped me a bit. I really focussed on my breathing for DD#2 birth and i felt so much more in control.....
Good luck...