New to Nidalee - is it possible to survive jungle without a leash at the start?

So, I recently picked up playing Nidalee. I've mainly played Zac for jungle, so it's quite the change- especially since I often do blind/non-rated, as I don't have much interest in the super competitive side of the game. That being said, it feels nearly impossible for me even when kiting jungle to not have to back after the first one or two packs without a leash. Both red buff and blue buff wreck Nidalee's health with a slow start and it feels like I have a natural handicap if I dont have someone helping me with that first pull, which rarely happens in blind even when requested. Is there something I can do to make the first few pulls a bit less rough?