I swear by the Lanisoh brand (purple box) breast pads!!!! They are the best, easy to find, and cost the same as most others!!!!! I did not like any other ones as the Lanisoh ones have a material that turn to a "gel" when moist and wick moisture away. The others just soak up the moisture and feel wet. I use these when out/at work and the washable ones from motherhood (they are cheap) at night or when at home all day (to save some money and the environment).
I also have lilly pads that I use on occassion. They prevent leaks by sealing the milk duct. This is great later on or for special occassions (weddings, dressier times, etc) but at the beginning of nursing, when you are trying to establish your milk production, you are supposed to avoid doing this. It prevents extra production (supply and demand idea-what you leak your body re-furbishes)and because your breasts are not used to milk production yet, they are more prone to mastitis and clogged milk ducts in the beginning and these can aid in those probs at the beginning! But they are great later on, so don't dismiss them totally. I've had one pair through two kids and they are a great alternative to the pad.
As for bras, I haven't found one I'd swear by yet-either they don't seem to last very long (Target, some Motherhood's) or are too expensive (I think), BUT WHAT I CAN TELL YOU IS DON'T GET ONE WITH UNDERWIRE!!!!!!!! I can't even understand why they make them because I've had several doctors tell me they damage milk ducts and can cause major probs.
Good luck!
If you find a good bra, tell me about it!
T.