Is breastfeeding considered legally valid if the milk is given via a cup or bottle rather than directly from the woman’s breast?

The questioner : The question asks: Is breastfeeding considered legally valid if a woman puts milk in a cup and a child other than her own drinks it? She pours it into a cup or bottle and then gives it to another child, not her own, so that he becomes a brother to her son? Or must it be taken directly from her breast? And what is the quantity that makes him a legal child...?

The Shaykh : A questioner asked me this same question, and my answer was that it is not necessary for her to nurse a child other than her own directly from her breast. However, the important point that should be noted is that the quantity of milk must be sufficient for us to say five full feedings. If the quantity of milk referred to is enough for the child to be fed five full feedings, then this boy becomes her son, whether the breastfeeding is done through a medium or otherwise.

Another questioner : ... .

The Shaykh : Five full feedings.