Aim: To understand the perceptions of users about the care provided to them and their newborns immediately after childbirth. Method: This is a descriptive study in which a qualitative approach was used, involving 20 postpartum women admitted to a secondary level Public Hospital of Fortaleza. Semi-structured interviews were carried out and were analyzed by means of Bardin’s content analysis technique. Results: Three categories were highlighted: Care provided to newborns; care (or lack of care) provided to postpartum women; and structural failures of the maternity hospital. Discussion: Postpartum care was primarily focused on guidance on breastfeeding, without considering other demands of women, such as: the need for greater attention by the health team; more humane behavior of some health professionals; and guidance on self-care.