My birth story

At 38 weeks I gave birth to my baby and had a natural delivery. Contractions were coming 3-5mins apart and lasted 1min each time. When I had reached the hospital, my midwife said I had already dilated 8cm! So an epidural was not needed at this point, she got me started on gas and air. The pushing was very tiring and excruciating especially as I had no form of pain relief. Gas and air was taken off me so I could just focus on pushing baby out. Altogether I’d say it took 3hrs and baby was born. I did need stitches as I had a 2nd degree tear, now I’m recovering and 10days postpartum. The stitches are healing well and was wondering if anyone else had experience of 2nd degree tear? How was the recovery/healing for you? What aftercare were you advised? How long did you wait to have intercourse? I don’t plan to anytime soon but all a new experience for me and would love to hear from anyone similar.