I personally don't like to rake even an established lawn as I feel it stresses the grass but this is just my opinion. It also stresses my back! Most folks here just mulch the leaves into the lawn. It's good for the soil adding lots of organic matter. I even steal leaves from the neighbor to mulch into my lawn.

Just an observation but it sounds to me like your blower is just too small for the amount of leaves you have. For years I used a small hand held blower. It worked but it was a lot of work. About 6 years ago it finally died so I invested in a large Stihl backpack blower. I was literally sick to my stomach after spending $400 on a leaf blower but it has no doubt been one of the best tools I've ever purchased. I too have a lot of leaves and it will move large quantities much quicker than a rake plus it get used year round for blowing off the driveway and even "sweeping" my shop. Something to consider.

If one is willing to rake the leaves, using a handheld blower should be adequate.
Could also mulch them in with the use of a push mower UNLESS the ground is still too soft.