Multi-tasking mother Jools Oliver struggles in the London heat as she balances heavy shopping bags and daughter Petal

By Sarah Bull
Updated: 10:42 EST, 23 June 2010

Carrying shopping bags, pushing daughter Petal on a bike and managing her burgeoning bump, Jools Oliver was the epitome of a multi-tasking mother in London yesterday.

But the 34-year-old star, who is due to give birth to her fourth child with husband Jamie in September, appeared to be struggling in the heat yesterday as she tried to manage her heavy loads.

Wearing a striped T-shirt dress which fitted tightly over her burgeoning bump teamed with Converse plimsolls and aviator sunglasses, Jools couldn't hide the stress from her face as she walked home with her youngest daughter.

Jools Oliver

Mother of all battles: Jools Oliver struggles as she pushes daughter Petal on a bike and tries to carry heavy shopping bags in London yesterday

Jools Oliver
Jools Oliver

Burgeoning bump: Jools's tight T-shirt dress highlighted her curves

However, despite her stress, renowned chef Jamie says Jools, who has even written a book about pregnancy entitled Minus Nine To One: The Diary Of A Honest Mum, came into her own the day she welcomed first daughter Poppy Honey into the world.

He said: 'She just wanted to be a mother and that was it. I didn't understand at all. Why would you want to be a mother? We all want to have jobs and careers, don't we?

'Everyone around me was the same. Until she became a mother, I never understood how honest she was being. She's a mum and that's her world.'

The new baby will join Petal Blossom Rainbow, one, Daisy Boo, seven and Poppy Honey, eight.

Jools Oliver

Stress: The strain on Jools's face was clear to see as she struggled in the heat

Meanwhile, while Jools is preparing for the birth of her fourth child, her husband is equally busy forging ahead with his career.

It was recently announced the 35-year-old is planning to set up his own school for children who are disaffected with mainstream education.

His 'school with a difference' will follow youngsters who are dyslexic, have suffered bullying or attended private schools but 'still haven't fulfilled their potential' for a new Channel Four fly-on-the-wall reality show.

Proud parents: Jools and Jamie pose with daughter Petal on the steps of the Portland Hospital after her birth last year

Proud parents: Jools and Jamie pose with daughter Petal on the steps of the Portland Hospital in London after her birth last year

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