Bec all you need to do as you have done is make the decision to take 12mths leave the rest is your own personal decision and no business of works, especially at this stage.

I was in a similar boat except I'm in a huge company but no paid maternity leave - didn't even have policy so we just had to go by legislation. I got the you won't want to come back full time my wife is so glad she didn't blah blah and we'll never be able to offer you part time.

When my leave was coming to an end - I went up to them - new boss by this time - and siad well basically I'm resigning cause I won't be coming back full time - the only work I'll be able to do is from home so am going to go looking for that if for anything - they were so short staffed I've been working from home 3 days a week ever since (that was over 18 months ago).

As you say your situation in 12months plus may be completely different so you need that time to make up your mind and find out where you're going. Don't feel guilty its your time to take and even though you personally mightn't want to go back at least it leaves you with an option if come 12 months there is nothing else available to you.

Sorry for rambling and hope it all works out.