Rowland is talking to Helen and Julie, two new mothers, about their new babies…

Rowland: Julie and Helen are what you might call traditional mothers. They expect their husbands to help, but for them motherhood comes before work.
Rowland: When Alfie was born did it change your life?
Julie: Totally. It made it better. Definitely.
Rowland: But aren’t there things that you miss that you could do before you had a child?
Julie: They seem so superficial now. They seem so selfish. I mean, I still go out. I still have my circle of friends. But, just playing with him for the afternoon and teaching him something new makes up for it.
Rowland: When you had Rebecca, did it change your life?
Helen: Oh, yes. Certainly did. It has to change your life. You’re no longer free. But it’s certainly changed my life for the better.

Vocabulary:

Motherhood 母性 www.liuxuepaper.com
Being a mother and having the responsibilities of caring for a child.

Superficial 表面的，肤浅的
Not serious or deep, only about the surface or appearance.

Selfish 自私的
Only thinking about oneself.

Circle of friends 朋友圈
The group of friends a person has.