What is the ruling on breastfeeding from a woman who is not the mother, and what is the number of رضعات (breastfeeds)? Thank you.

It is permissible for a child to be nursed by someone other than his mother, provided two conditions are met: the wet nurse's consent and her husband's permission, because nursing deprives the husband of some of his rights. Also, the permission of the child's father or guardian is required, because the father or guardian is responsible for the child's welfare, and nursing might be harmful to the child.

Furthermore, the wet nurse's milk must not have any defect. However, if nursing becomes necessary to save the child from perishing, then it is obligatory even without permission. The prohibition (of marriage due to fosterage) is established by five distinct acts of suckling.