#1 was an episiotomy and 2&3 were 1st degree tears only requiring 3 stiches. The epi hurt more and even though i was numbed, I could feel the sensation of cutting and it was hard to sit for ages and quite uncomfortable. Salt baths helped. With the girls i tore both times, and did feel the 'burning' sensation, but it didn't hurt as much afterwards. All three times i recovered quite well.