4 weeks pp, can I “fool around”?

I don’t plan to have sex because of risk of infection and also I’m scared it would hurt. However, I would like to have sex in a few weeks when I’m cleared.

My question is, can I still do other things with my husband? I really just want to get an idea of how things are feeling down there. I had some vaginal stitches inside because my daughter scratched me on the way out and I got those checked about 2-3 weeks ago and most were already healed.

I also am breastfeeding and anticipate it being dryer so we bought some lube to try out. I’m just wondering if it’s still okay to use the lube and only use fingers with clean hands?

Also how has everyone else felt getting intimate after vaginal stitches? Any tips? How long did you wait and how long until it felt good again?