I actually called epi no when i was preg and the guy said it was more helpful during the second pregnancy because alot of women who have had stitches have trouble with scar tissue second time round(?), so I didnt bother.
Tried to get DP do massage but he never got around to it so to cut a short story long, I didnt bother with either and managed to have my 8p6 bub with no tear!