Tiggy, if you would rather be at home then that's where you should be. If a leave of absence is possible then maybe doing what the other girls suggested and giving it a try is worthwhile.
They grow up soo fast and it won't be long before they're in school - maybe then you can re-assess your sitaution.
Whatever desicion you make needn't be permanent - you can always change your mind if it isn't making you and your family happy.