Yep, the salt baths things do work. To make mine worse (which was already bad - I tore, they cut me, then I tore again and was stiched almost from one end to the other AND inside) I had an allergic reaction to the pads (suppose because I had to wear them for so long). It was HELL and lasted for what seemed like ages. My mum told me that in 'her' day they used to actually let the mothers use UV lamps in hospital - so I suppose exposing the wound to the sun would be good. A patch of sun came through the window onto my bed, and I used to lie there when I could. I'm pretty sure it helped.

Everything is ok now - still a bit tender at times, especially when I have been on my feet all day (maybe it's all the blood rushing to the area?). I think everything is supposed to clear up properly when you stop breastfeeding - something to do with the hormones makes the area a little thinner than usual.