Signing on for credits??

Hi, I am pregnant with number two and I am thinking of staying at home for a few years, due to the cost of childcare. I have about 18 years of almost continuous employment behind me and I am worried about losing my PRSI entitlements (future maternity leave, pension concerns etc) if I take 4-5 years out of work. Can anyone explain "signing on for credits" to me? I am not looking for any payment or benefit as I won't be looking for work, I just want to protect myself after working for such a long time. My info (probably wrong) is that my credits will only cover me for the next 2 years or so.

Thanks for any advice.

http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Publications/sw12/Pages/1Whatisacreditedcontribution.aspx

You won't get credits when you're unemployed but not genuinely seeking full-time work, capable of work and available for work.

Any future short-term payments like Maternity Benefit may be affected. One of the conditions for Maternity Benefit is that you have be employed/self-employed up to the day your Maternity Leave starts
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Publications/SW11/Pages/2HowdoIqualify.aspx

As regards future State Pension entitlements, time spent caring for children (up to age 12) can be disregarded when calculating your PRSI record under the Homemaker's Scheme.
http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Publications/SW1/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Hope this helps