episiotomy - healing

[catnip]

Hallo
I gave birth to my ds 12 days ago, he was 10'9" and I had a forceps delivery with an episiotomy 3rd degree OUCH!
Anyway, my perineum isn't healing as well as it could be - the midwife took a look yesterday and said that the top two stitches have come undone but that they prefer to leave the area to mend naturally from the deep tissue within, rather than to re-stitch - has anyone got any tips for helping along healing? There is also a sore little patch which she said they might cauterize but is making me v. uncomfortable at the moment. I'm having lavender/tea tree in the bath, and am on the arnica, but any other ideas or tips would be appreciated - has anyone tried calendula?

Antiinflammatories may help, most GPs would be happy to give as only v tiny amounts pass into breast milk, otherwise normal pain relief such as paracetamol, making sure you're not constipated as this add to pressure and pain, one of those femme pad things that are icepacks you can wear in your knickers may help with pain and swelling.
HTH