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Marcy
My confession to you - I don't really love the newborn phase either. I don't feel like I ever really "bonded" with Parker until about the last week before I started my new job, which would have put him at about 7 weeks old? That's a long time to spend with someone and not have that gushy feeling that I hear so many other women get so soon. Don't get me wrong, I loved him to pieces, but it was different, almost like an out of body experience if you will? I think it stemmed from the crazy hormones and still accepting that I was a mom now.
My whole maternity leave, I always struggled with feeling overwhelmed, tense and worried about stupid stuff, like making sure I pumped every 2-3 hours (even at night in the beginning) to making sure I kept up w/laundry and simple housework every day. I put so much pressure on myself to keep up w/what I did before the baby that I never gave myself a chance to enjoy it. But honestly, there is only so much gazing at a sleeping baby one can do before you start to crave the real world, you know? Especially when you get absolutely no response from them.
Anyway, my advice to you and really all the mom's to-be (and I know every book, website, etc. repeats this constantly) - give yourself a break. It's so hard, but for your sanity, it's a must. Let the laundry and dishes pile up. It's ok if the bathroom is a little messy or you haven't vacuum in a week.
And also - it gets easier and so much better. I'm sure there are moms that would tell me the same right now, but seriously, every little milestone warms my heart to see.
Ok, now that I've put my confession out there, I better run and duck from the flames 
Re: Marcy
Thank you so much for posting this. It's the first time someone has "confessed" to it, and it really makes me feel somewhat normal for my feelings. Or as normal as I possibly can.
You started pumping right away? Are you exclusively pumping or did you just start to stockpile immediately?
Ideally, I'd like to start stockpiling pretty quickly so that Greg could handle some of the early evening feedings and I could sleep. He could handle feedings from 8-1 and then I'd pull overnights for a while.
That and my mom is mildly upset that I'm breast feeding because she won't be able to feed the baby too.
Since I was out with my bff's last night and they all gave me the grossed out ewww face when I said I planned on bf-ing. I don't really have many people to turn to.
Thank you!
Butting in...
Heather, thanks for writing this.
Sorry to butt in, but just wanted to share some advice on this.
I totally thought that EPing would work from day 1. It totally didn't for me. It was the biggest surprise that I wasn't expecting. I totally missed the memo that baby to breast actually produces more milk than the pump does. I was pumping every 2 hours and only getting 1oz if I was lucky. It was a big kick in the butt for me and really frustrating. Be prepared that you may need to supplement, but I'm praying for you that your milk really comes in quickly so you don't endure what I had to go through.
I don't mind exclusively breast feeding for the first few weeks, but I'd like to start pumping and stockpiling and sharing feedings as well.
*butting in*
Marcy, I'm planning on doing this as well. I want to let my milk supply get established and then start pumping so DH can start doing some 3 am feedings too! From everything I've read, it should be an easy transition as long as you wait a few weeks. That's what I'm hoping at least!
The Sand in My Snow Boots
You're welcome! I wish more people would feel comfortable confessing this, I really don't think (or at least hope) people would judge, especially if they've been a new parent ever before, but there will always be those that judge I suppose.
I truly think there are many different types of parents, some are in love with it from the get-go and others (like myself) it takes a little longer to warm up to it. Just like some feel they are meant to SAH while others know that they can be a better parent having the ability to work, support their family and have that separation/break from it all, KWIM?
As for your pumping ?'s, we had latch issues by about day 4, so I had a mini-meltdown and decided to pump one night just to get some milk for him to eat. He took the bottle like a champ and I continued to pump from there, fearful of another meltdown by me/him. In retrospect, I probably should have tried to get him on the boob more, but I was scared to be honest. So EP'ing it was. It was (and still is) a lot of work. I would pump every 2-3 hours, so H would feed Parker most night feedings while I pumped. Sometimes I would feel bad about him getting up and having to go to work after this, so I would do both, but many times that meant I would only get maybe 1 or 1 1/2 hrs a sleep. I'm thankful H has been so supportive through it all. Also, I had to supplement a little in the beginning as I was not getting enough (like Alyssa mentioned) and have recently had to start supplementing about 2 oz of formula with every bottle (Parker is now up to 6 oz a bottle). I never let that bother me though, I figured any amount of breastmilk was better than none at that point.
Sorry this was so long, feel free to page me if you have any other questions, hopefully I can be some help to you gals!