Daily roundup 1 August: Breastfeeding, autism register, and summer meals

Social attitudes that deter women from breastfeeding for more than a few weeks in the UK need to change in the interests of babies' health, experts say. The Guardian reports that the UK has one of the lowest rates of breastfeeding in the world, even though the medical evidence shows it protects babies from infection, and improves their mental and physical development. Professor Neena Modi, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, has called for a change in attitudes.


Doctors should keep a register of patients with autism in order to end the "invisibility" of patients with the mental condition and provide tailored care, it has been suggested. iNews reports that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence said the register will help medics adapt their approach to suit their patient's needs - for example, nurses can ensure children on the autistic spectrum are called for vaccinations at the beginning of surgeries when the waiting rooms are quieter and could turn down lights for those with sensory problems.


Sefton Council has launched a scheme to support families that might otherwise struggle to provide their children with a nutritious meal. The Southport Visitor reports that eight children's centres and a primary school in the borough will offer the service to their most vulnerable families who would normally receive a free school meal.


Former shadow children's minister Steve McCabe has been left with facial injuries when he was hit in the face with a brick thrown by a motorcyclist. The BBC reports that the Labour MP said two people were riding "really recklessly" in Birmingham and attacked him after he shouted at them to stop or he would call the police.


A dedicated mental health service to help people affected by the Manchester Arena attack has been launched. The BBC reports that the Manchester Resilience Hub, run by the NHS, will focus solely on helping those directly affected by the attack, in which 22 people were killed, including children and emergency responders.