Thanks for all your responses!!

I am planning on going back at some point .... I have 2 years to decide.
I think it's hard for me because in a way I feel like I am quitting my job instead of just taking extended leave IYKWIM..... it's a little disconcerting....

KimmyF .... thats partly how I feel is that if I leave I am caving in and running away. Management actually came to the party on this issue and put the instigators of the email back in their box. Normally crap like that wouldn't even rate on the stress o meter but it was just the straw that broke the camels back IYKWIM.....normally I would stand up and go Oi whats the go ppl but at the moment I just don't have the energy to knock heads with management and it doesn't help that there are no parents in our management team...

MD - thanks honey I have felt very unsupported during my entire pregnancy here which is sad as I work for a MAJOR company... but you are right it's not worth my health and wellbeing... xoxoxox