If you don't have epidural, how painful are stitches?

[Jane7]

I'm 30 weeks with my second and I'm thinking about birth options. Last one was pretty bad - induced, three day labour, epidural, secondary degree tears and masses of internal stiches.
I'm fairly keen to try to have things a bit more natural this time round but then I'm scared about tearing again and having stitches with no epidural. Last time, midwfie topped up my epidural because even after local anaesthetic, it bloody hurt when they started to stitch. What are other's experiences? I know I might not tear so badly this time, but to be honest, they did such a good job of stiching me up tightly last time, I'm sure I will. I feel just as small as I did last time (sorry if tmi!)

OP I had an epidural for my first with an extensive episiotomy from front to back, three layers of stitches blah blah blah. The stitches felt fine but I presumed it was because of the epi...

For my second I had a natural delivery with just G & A and had a second degree tear just along the scar of previous episiotomy (nowhere near as bad!) It didn't feel much different TBH but you can use the G & A which takes your mind off it a bit.

Good luck and hopefully you won't need any stitches!

Had a local anaesthetic and G+A and still shot repeatedly off the bed. Sorry.

With DD1 I had a local anaesthetic (I think!) and just had gas and air as an excuse to get more of it (highlight of labour in my opinion!) and I honestly didn't feel them at all. With DD2 it was a really quick labour and I was sure I must have torn badly - but nothing! No tears/grazes or anything. Hope it goes well for you

Episiotomy and third degree tear first time, so epidural and surgeon. Fine afterwards, too - fortunately nothing like the experiences above.

Second degree the second time, and stitches with local and G&A. Painful, yes, but only in a 'wincing' kind of way. Def not 'grimacing' or 'flinching'.

Best of luck, OP!