I was in the same situation as mnmlst. I had help for the first 2 weeks then I was on my own with my 11 month old daughter. My husband is military and went on a field op for 2 weeks. You just have to be very cognizant of finding alternatives to not lifting. We put my daugther's crib mattress in on the floor next to our bed so I wouldn't have to lift her in and out of the crib. I fed her sitting on the floor so I didn't have to use the high chair. I held her hands while she climbed up and down the stairs. Anything I could do to not lift her. That said, there were times I had to lift her and I did pay the price. I was sore and in pain on those days I did too much. Thankfully nothing more serious. Just take your time and use your legs if you have to lift, but avoid it as much as you can. Good luck!!