Hrm, I found the reverse (but only after baby #2) that I never used to like tampons but my period got a lot shorter and heavier I *had* to use them or I'd make a mess of stuff (bed at night mostly). I put it down to my cervix not being 100% closed after baby #2. Not really looking forward to AF coming back after baby #3 for the same reason. I guess there's always menopause to look forward to

As to tampons and lube, IMHO they do hurt for that reason, and I've heard using lube suggested before for this so I'd give that a go.