{{{{{hugs}}}} Like Fi, I had 2nd degree tears too which required internal stitches. It's definately a bit tighter there as well as a bit of scar tissue, but I just found if you take your time it is eventually ok. My DH was wonderful at not putting pressure on me if it was too uncomfortable.

I found using tampons again a little uncomfortable the first cycle of AF after lochia (mind you, I didn't get AF back until Maddy was 8 months old) but this time around it's been a bit more comfortable.