I found this interesting because I figured that if I need to use an artificial milk then Hipp might be my preferred choice because a. I like to use organic animal products when possible and b. Hipp don't seem to have made quite so many crappy marketing decisions as Aptimal/Cow&Gate, SMA/Nestle. (Possibly because they are a smaller player in the market than any ethical stance?)
Its rather annoying to find that they are misleading people about the safe temperature to cool water to before mixing with forumla, thank you for bringing it to my attention. I think it might just be better to make it up with the 70 degree water and doing without the probiotics, if that's what their sterile ready-made milks are like then its hardly bad. As long as we don't go for Hipp because of the probiotic claims I guess.
Fingers crossed I'll be able to breastfeed (40 wks + 1 preg with my 1st), I'm sorry that its not an option for you raining. Try not to beat yourself up about it, it can't be helped - your mental health is vital. Take care of yourself and your baby in the best way you can.
I tend to think of it a bit like pharmacetical companies, I don't really like everything they get up to, but I do rely on the medicines they produce to stay healthy. Luckily, boycotting life/health preserving products isn't necessary to take a political stand that these companies should act (or be forced to act) more ethically - there are all kinds of other things we can do, sign petitions, write letters, start online discussions.
In the event that I ever needed to use a Nestle owned brand of formula for my baby (because no others were available), I would do so, but I'd still keep boycotting their sweets/cereals/coffees/petfoods etc as I do at the moment.