aussienic - whislt i get what you are saying, it bears remembering that you are intelligent, educated and aware. Possibly even well supported in your parenting.
Not all parents are. Some are heavily influenced by these ads, and they truly mean to do what is best for their child, and they see this as a way of doing that.
Sometimes we all need to stand up for these mums and dads who are lacking the quality of support and awareness that we have.
I educated myself on Breastfeeding. I thought breastfeeding was gross when I was pregnant with my first and my husband convinced to me at least try it. I can't say I enjoyed it but I was different then. I bf and FF at 6 weeks and stopped BF fully when he was 3 months old. and yes I didn't know any better. I educated myself when DS2 was born ill. I wanted nothing more then to offer him the best possible start and for that was BF. So in my opinion (this is not towards people who are unable to bf so no one take any offense please) you choose to do what you want. If people really wanted to BF then they would (once again read last sentence in brackets this is to the parents who "choose FF")

Breastfeeding is in your face to a certain degree.. It is talked about in birth classes, when you have your bub ect ect.. You see people feeding.. you know it exists. It isn't hard to make things known to yourself.. I hope I am getting my point across here.

I do see where you are coming from with not advertising formula but I don't go and buy a product just because it is advertised. I don't like those toddler supplement things. I think they are a waste of money. I don't use nurofen even though that is shoved in your face when it comes to advertising.. Why not teach parents what to do before resorting to medications.. going off topic a bit but you get what I mean..

So to sum it up.. You choose to buy or do what you want.. you can educate yourself on what is best for baby and family.. I had a friend who BF her first child and hated it so when she had her second child went straight to formula. She didn't feel the need to make excuses and nor did I expect one.. She just made a comment one day when we were together feeding our bubs (19 days apart) me BF her FF.